Meditations (A Penguin Classics Hardcover)

Good quality if a bit of a small format. Almost mass market paperback size although it seems to be a good quality hardcover binding aside from that. I would recomend this edition as long as you dont need large print and you can stand reading mass market paperbacks as the print and margins are a little on the small side as hardcover editions go.

This is a review for the hardcopy Penguin Classics translated by Martin Hammond. Please note that many of the reviews seem to be for a kindle version that is a different translation. Such a joy to read. Since Marcus Aurelius was writing for himself and only himself, there is an honesty and intimacy in the words -- as if his nobler self were writing reminders knowing he would need them during his weaker moments (including, literally, when he didn't feel like getting up in the morning). Some of the reviews here criticize the translation but I've really enjoyed it -- it is clear, unpretentious and unadorned, well suited to the philosophy it conveys -- and because the language is contemporary it sounds, to my ears, almost timeless so that, in its best moments, it sounds like words of wisdom for any age and not merely words reflecting the concerns of a man who lived 1900 years ago. The book itself is also attractive -- compact and sturdy with a pleasant font. The print, however, is small (probably around an 8 pt font).

To think that the book is the personal thoughts of a man who was the emperor of one of the greatest civilizations that ever prowled the earth was a personal conviction that every human should pen their thoughts to the next generation of their family even if the book does not get published. In the first book, Aurelius reflected on the teachings he received from his mentors and the importance of remaining true to oneself. He emphasized the transient nature of life and asked readers to embrace stoicism, a philosophy that advocates for self-discipline, rationality, and acceptance of external events beyond one’s control. The other books followed the same theme of connecting to oneself and focusing on the daily tasks ahead. To make an impact on earth as a human should and not to avoid the difficulties of the present moment. What caught my eye was the knowledge that the universe is a being and we are part of the macro mechanism of its ever-churning machine. With recent technology, scientists have been able to create images of the connection of galaxies that are wired together like the neurons firing in the brain of a human. The similarities were eerie when I saw the images placed side by side. However, this man, possibly in a tent on a campaign also had this knowledge centuries ago. This only means that many more concepts might either be lost or are just being rediscovered from recent studies. Aurelius advises readers to detach themselves from their desires and aversions, embracing the present moment and accepting whatever comes their way with equanimity. He often contemplated the insignificance of material wealth, the transitory nature of fame, and the inevitability of death. To think that at some point he mentioned that he should stop making these scribbles because he might never find the time to review the writings.

While not particularly structure and somewhat repetitive, it is understandable given it is a personal reflection. Reading this after the Gita, is unique as the subject is very similar. Just one from the perspective of "God" to his disciple, the other of a rational man believing in the very essence of the Natural Law (which for Hindus, is the same as God).

I found this a little hard to read personally. While I understand it was written as a personal journal (thereby not intended to have been meaningful to anyone but the author), it didn’t do much for me as a whole. I found parts to be really valuable and cool, especially since it was the internal dialogue of the most powerful person in the world, but it felt a little laborious for me to read. Still rated highly because of what it is and less because of how much I enjoyed reading it.

The author, editor, translator is great but his notes bring Marcus Aurelius alive. You gain information about him, his time of living, and his background in Stoicism. It's great and a great read.

I’ve had this book for about 5 years now. I remember, the first time reading it, still a teenager, many of the messages flew over my head. And yet I still found it to be an incredible piece of wisdom. 5 years later, I’ve reread it 5 times, roughly once per year. Each re-read, I’ve found something new. The Meditations’ relevance nearly 2000 years later is a testament to the fact that human beings always have been, and always will be, beautifully flawed.

I have read at least 4 different versions of Meditations (all accessed from Amazon) and this is the best translation to English. It has a good hard cover, a little smaller than I would prefer but it's not quite pocket size. As far as the book it self, phenomenal. I read it all the way through at least once per year. Full of great wisdom and advice for a philosophical approach to happiness.

Very nice cover, on the small side, pocket book size

No esperaba menos de las ediciones de ésta colección. Muy bonita y practica.

Perfect

The hardcover book came in pristine condition. It looks great for its size.

...y la edición bellísima.