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Meditations

By: Marcus Aurelius, George Long - translator, Duncan Steen - translator
Narrated by: Duncan Steen
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Summary

One of the most significant books ever written by a head of State, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions - a cornerstone of Western thought.

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Public Domain (P)2010 Naxos AudioBooks
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What listeners say about Meditations

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Important text on self-reflection and improvement

Would you listen to Meditations again? Why?

I would. It is one of those books that you don't just listen to once, or listen to in one sitting. Because the structure of the book is the multiple self-reflections of Aurelius, you can dip in and out. Listen to 3 minutes and you will get something to think about for the next 3 hours. If you are 'seasoning' this book, you are doing it wrong. Reflect on his reflections!

Aurelius constantly stresses the importance of acting in the most stoic way, how to improve yourself and those around you without being dominating nor imposing. The great little gems of knowledge are interspersed with some comments on the science / worldview of the time, which makes it a nice historic account and truly set in its time. Nonetheless, the importance of a stoic attitude to life is still relevant today.

Without a doubt it is one of the important texts in history about being a good human being.

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52 people found this helpful

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Human Principles of Life

This is a man who's station and power exceed that which we may never hope to obtain, yet he suffers the same.
Here is given advice that will benefit the reasonable who will practice it, repeated over his life time, proving even he lost or feared loosing his way.
The performance by Duncan Steen is excellent. He has a real understanding of the words and context, which give it life.

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Philosophy that grounds you

Picked this up after a recommendation from Ryan Holiday.
Is a great gem and something I listen to once a week at least.
Highly recommended. A classic in Stoic philosophy narrated by a calm yet firm(Stoic?) voice.

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Excellent.

Highly recommended. Very well read. A fascinating listen. Resonates with life today, all these centuries later.

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Mindfulness from the second century

Having recently read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, I decided to try Aurelius. Gives great insight into the suffering of man since the day dot.
Would further recommend Jordan B Peterson's 12 rules if you liked The Meditations.

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A book everyone should read, regardless of age

Now this is a book everyone should read, I can't recommend it enough! And the narrator did a fantastic job. The only issue I had with the book (or at least the translation) was the use of the word "atoms". I'm quite sure Marcus Aurelius didn't know what atoms were.

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Bit of a chore

Lots of wise words here but fairly repetitive. Feels like it could’ve have been half the length with the same philosophy.

Worth listening to but got tedious the last 3 or 4 chapters.

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Full of gems, but need to work them out for yourself

Great book as always but this is a literal read of some of the translations, valuable as always by no extra input from the author so the reader is left to draw their own conclusions and thought processes.

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A very interesting listen

Very wise and helpful meditations on the world. Though confusing and repetitive. something you'll need to listen to multiple times. Narrator does an alright job, but nothing to write home about.

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Life changing

If this were compulsory reading for every young person the world may yet become a better place.

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