The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

By: Marcus Aurelius

Narrated by: Walter Covell

Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from 161 C.E. to his death in 180 C.E. He was destined to be a leader, having beeen born into a prominent family - one related by blood and marriage to rulers and bankers. During his era, Romans who inherited power and vast fortunes were expected to set an example.

Marcus shouldered his responsibilities with a clear sense of honor. He was history's first ombudsman, and if his role as a legislator or conqueror was not great, he did set high standards for emulation. Written in the form of confessions, his meditations provide a window into his insights on duty, virtue, and humility. He was the last of the "Five Good Emperors", and is also considered one of the most important stoic philosophers.

The Meditations, written on campaign between 170 and 180 C.E., is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty, and it has been praised for its "exquisite accent and its infinite tenderness". In fact, John Stuart Mill, in his Utility of Religion, compared The Meditations to the "Sermon on the Mount".

Public Domain (P)1986 Jimcin Recordings

A classic of Stoicism, but a rather dry reading

The main tenet of Aurelius' philosophy seems to be that a person should stay true to their highest nature. Nobody can truly harm you, no matter what they do to your body, if you do not compromise your divine nature. This is a very simple and beautiful idea. However, this particular reading of the book is a bit dull and pedantic, although admittedly the material is not inherently dramatic.

One of the most encouraging books

This describes very deep subjects of our lives and how to improve our behavior. It helps us get motivated to meditate. Love it. Read it 5 times already. :)

It's a bucket list item

Was short enough to handle in a week commuting. One of those books that has a few tidbits that will stay with you.

Interesting Philosophies

It was interesting to hear philosophical thoughts from ancient times. Many phrases such as “how advanced civilization is” made me wonder if all people thought that civilization was advanced in their time. I’d definitely recommend reading this.

A Decent, Stately Reading

Would you listen to The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius again? Why?

Yes, there are so many sentences that make great epigrams. It would be good to catch them all now that I've heard it once. On the other hand, that's what texts are for . . .

What did you like best about this story?

It is a philosophic classic, and a seminal text in any study of stoicism.

Did Walter Covell do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

He caught a good, stately presence for the emperor. He read it levelly, but there were a few places where he put some amusement into Marcus Aurelius's voice that was a welcome change.

If you could give The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius a new subtitle, what would it be?

Stoic's Bible

I found it difficult to pick which copy to purchase.

I do believe this is the best narration of this amazing piece of life’s work. The life’s work of history’s greatest man.

Life lessons from a father.

What did you love best about The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius?

The narration is great. I could envision Marcus Aurelius speaking the words as they were read. Roman Stoicism is such great practical stuff. This book should be titled "All the things you should have learned from your dad but didn't". I have listened to it a couple of times now and will continue to do so.

awesome

very good book. easy to follow. interesting ideas. i would definately suggest it required listening for all.

My favorite of the Romans/Greeks

Marcus Aurelius' style is so clear and precise, it's amazing. His ideas are more nuanced and self-aware than most old writing I've read. In the end though, I do disagree with him. That's really why I'm bumping it down to 4 stars in the "story".

I recommend this as the one of the clearest explanations of stoicism, and even Buddhist-style "un-attachment" that I've seen. But I'd suggest you question his conclusions. He'd have you think that because life includes suffering, there's no reason to prefer pleasure to pain. He thinks a thing's existence justifies its continuance. Maybe an enlightened person can accept their own pain, be we can't accept the pain of others for them. That's cruelty, not enlightenment. This guy was the ruler of the world, and shrugged off slavery because "that's just some people's lot in life." Easy for him to say. But I guess he was inconsistent, like we all are.

Overall, it's a great book to wrestle with. Just, don't accept it all without question

you can't control the weather but I can get a coat

this is a good book for a man's name. it teaches you focus mind