Meditations

Original title: Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν

Marcus Aurelius (121-180), trans. George Long

Original en 71923 words First published 180 Roman Empire

The private notebooks of Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, written in Greek on campaign in the Danube wars — never meant for publication, which is exactly why they survive as the most intimate work of ancient philosophy. Not argument but practice: reminders to himself to do the work, accept what he cannot control, remember that he will die, and treat other people — however maddening — as fellow-rational beings. The bedside book of everyone from emperors to prisoners of war for eighteen centuries; still the most practical book of wisdom from the ancient world.

Text sourced from Project Gutenberg (public domain in the United States); the Project Gutenberg trademark and license text have been removed on import. Public-domain status determined by the author's death year + 50 years rule.

Meditations

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