The Meditations (Modern Library): A New Translation (Modern Library (Hardcover))

On the surface Marcus Aurelius is clear in his words. Most of what he says is common sense, bar, perhaps, anything related to providence and god - although, those words have somewhat different meaning in a Stoic sense than what we may associate with them today.Because everything is so clear, is common sense and applicable to our life today the experience reading this book is profound. It's not one to rush through, though. One want to take time to reflect. Reflection can be challenging. Because Marcus challenges our (modern) habits of rushing through life, ever busy, never truly present, often angry, and attached to external goods - we are consuming, but are we living? And are we living well?Reflection on his words can change perspective. And thus can be life changing - if the moral guide Marcus lays out, based on the ancient virtues of Stoic philosophy, are applied in practice in ones life. This often sounds easier than done, in reality. However, it's the same for everything in life: one needs to start, continue to learn, train and get better.Marcus, like many of us, is in this inner fight between what is right and what is wrong. He wants to be a good man, doing the right things, and reminding him in these meditations how to live the good life.On its own, without having any introduction and understanding of Stoic doctrine, the book is certainly valuable to read. However, I can only encourage one to look deeper into the details of Stoic philosophy to get a full understanding of the meaning of Marcus' words. As only then one can truly grasp the "why" beneath the individual paragraphs.Then the Meditations can become a guide for life to keep close to hand at any moment to call on for help and guidance at any moment of uncertainty, struggle and loss.This translation from Gregory Hays is superb. Simple, modern English, without losing the beauty of the language of the original.

I bought this for a friend. She already had an older copy, but tells me that this is a much better translation of the original work.

If you are interested in human goodness and duty you might find these old sentiments worth considering.

This book is very thought-provoking. The thoughts and messages shared are as relevant today as they were back in the time of writing. It makes you look at life and realise what’s important. I would recommend this book as one to reflect upon to keep dipping back into to take the messages, apply them to your own life and see what beneficial effect they can have Was very happy with my purchase

Very happy

As someone who has dabbled in ancient texts and philosophy, I've always found it challenging to connect with some translations due to the language (I'm not a native English speaker). This is where Gregory Hays's translation truly shines. Halfway through the book, I'm completely captivated by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, all thanks to Hays's lucid and easy-to-read translation.Something that stood out for me was the introduction. While it's tempting to skip it on most books, I'd strongly recommend you not to skip this section. Hays does a remarkable job of setting the stage, providing historical context, and offering insights that enrich the experience as a whole!

Exceptional book, full of wisdom, it is must read.

Essential for the practicing stoic. I've only recently developed an interest in stoicism and so have started off with the so called 3 most famous source materials (Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurellius). This is one of my favourites as offers a unique perspective being fairly random diary entries rather than stoic teachings. Easy to read and more importantly, insightful, life affirming and challenging in a good way. I can see why he was deemed one of the 5 'good' emperors with such reflections and ideas that he tried to live by. Am i any wiser, probably not but at least i'm trying!

"This new translation of Meditations brings fresh clarity to Marcus Aurelius’ timeless wisdom. The text is both accessible and profound, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in Stoic philosophy. The translation captures the essence of Aurelius’ reflections on life and leadership, offering insights that are as relevant today as ever. It’s a thoughtful read for personal growth and understanding."

Melhor versao

**Meditations: A New Translation by Gregory Hays**Marcus Aurelius 'Meditations,' a timeless classic of Stoic philosophy, has been revered for centuries as a guide to living a virtuous and meaningful life. Gregory Hays' new translation offers a fresh and accessible rendering of this profound work.**Clarity and Elegance**Hays' writing is characterized by its clarity and elegance. He deftly navigates the nuances of Marcus's thought, preserving the original's wisdom while making it approachable to modern readers. The result is a translation that flows effortlessly, inviting the reader to engage deeply with the text.**Insights for Daily Life**'Meditations' is not merely a philosophical treatise, but also a practical manual for living. Hays' translation effectively conveys the practical advice and insights that Marcus offers on topics ranging from emotional management to decision-making. By distilling the essence of Marcus's teachings, Hays makes them relevant to the challenges we face in our own lives.**Historical Context**Hays provides invaluable annotations and an insightful introduction that contextualizes the text within Marcus's life and times. This historical background enhances the reader's understanding of Marcus's perspective and the relevance of his ideas to his contemporaries.**Impact**Hays' translation has been praised by scholars and enthusiasts alike. It has become a go-to resource for those seeking to delve into Stoicism and its transformative potential. The translation's clarity and accessibility have made it a favorite among students, professionals, and anyone interested in personal growth.**Conclusion**Gregory Hays' new translation of 'Meditations' is an exceptional work that brings Marcus Aurelius' wisdom to a new generation of readers. Its clarity, elegance, practical insights, and historical context make it an invaluable addition to the canon of Stoic philosophy. For those seeking guidance on living a life of virtue, resilience, and purpose, Hays' translation is an indispensable resource.

Es lonque deseaba

The book is relatively small and short. It has short paragraphs that talk about many different topics (acceptance, work, emotions, learning, ...), in the context of stoicism.It was the first non-fiction book I read and it had the most impact on my life.After reading this I learned to keep calm even in harder situations and keep my emotions in control (don't panic or get angry too quickly).It has many useful lessons about how to control your emotions and accept things as they are.As my first book about stoicism, it changed the way I look at the world.Would recommend this to everyone, since it has lessons about many situations we all encounter in life.