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Meditations

By: Marcus Aurelius, Diskin Clay, Martin Hammond
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Richard Armitage, star of Peter Jackson'sThe Hobbit trilogy and also known for his roles in Ocean's 8 and Spooks. This definitive recording is translated with notes by Martin Hammond and an introduction by Diskin Clay. Originally written only for his personal consumption, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations has become a key text in the understanding of Roman Stoic philosophy.

Written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius's own emotions. But while the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers for almost two thousand years.

Martin Hammond's new translation fully expresses the intimacy and eloquence of the original work, with detailed notes elucidating the text. This edition also includes an introduction by Diskin Clay, exploring the nature and development of the Meditations. Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus (121-80) was adopted by the emperor Antoninus Pius and succeeded him in 161, (as joint emperor with adoptive brother Lucius Verus). He ruled alone from 169, and spent much of his reign in putting down various rebellions, and was a persecutor of Christians. His fame rest, above all, on his Meditations, a series of reflections, strongly influenced by Epictetus, which represent a Stoic outlook on life. He was succeeded by his natural son, thus ending the period of the adoptive emperors.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio
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What listeners say about Meditations

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great book

Insightful good at getting your head straight in this manic modern world we live in!

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A timeless classic.

A well read and accessible edition. The introduction places the Meditations into their historical , social, and cultural contexts. The narration is clear, the meditations are interesting and thought provoking.

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The King Of Stoics: easiest 5 stars

What a phenomenal book, Marcus Aurelius lists his musings timelessly, with everything equally (if not moreso applicable) now than when first written. Flawlessly read as well. Superb

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Life changing wisdom. Stoicism at its finest. Narrated well!

Life changing wisdom. Stoicism at its finest. Narrated well!
Stoicism changed my view of life and the meaning of happiness. Also recommend the letters from Seneca and off course works of Epictetus.

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Nothing to add, except.... Brilliant

Nothing to add. I dint think ya kna how good this is unless ya buy it ya big wawa pedal

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Inspiring book

It really is unbelievable that this book was written in antiquity by a Roman emperor. There is so much good advice in there, and plenty to reflect on, it is also amazing that it was not published in his lifetime. This book gives an amazing insight into Marcus Aurelius's own philosophy, but also shines a light on classical philosophy of the time. It really is fascinating what knowledge was known in ancient Rome and Greece. If you took out classical references such as Zeus, and you read it, you could easily believe that it had been written in modern times.

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Life changing

Wonderful book, must read for everyone. Marcus Aurelius explains his points perfectly and its easy to follow along

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One of the greats

Words to reflect upon and live by.
You cannot stop a directing mind.
Listened to this at the right time of my life, and really helped motivate me to continue to better myself.

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Thought evoke

I recommend this book for all seekers of truth. The absolute is found in being at peace within the present moment.

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A Life guide

A beautiful content but not very well narrated. First six books contain a concise summary for the whole book.

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