Originally written only for his personal consumption, Marcus
Aurelius's Meditations has become a key text in the understanding of Roman
Stoic philosophy. This Penguin Classics edition is translated with notes by
Martin Hammond and an introduction by Diskin Clay. 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, a chronology, further reading and full
indexes. 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. If you enjoyed
Meditations, you might like Seneca's Letters from a Stoic, also available in
Penguin Classics.
Cover colour may vary from shown
Author Biography
Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus, 121–180. 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. He spent much of his reign in putting
down variou 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 died in 180 and was
succeed by his natural son, thus ending the period of the adoptive emperors.
Diskin Clay is Professor of Classical Studies at Duke University and has
published widely in the area of Ancient Greek Philosophy. Martin Hammond is Head
Master of Tonbridge School and has translated Homer's Iliad for Penguin
Classics.