Author: Marcus Aurelius (Translated by: Gregory Hays)

Rating: ⭐4.5 / 5

Average Reader Difficulty: 🔵3 / 10 (Casual Challenge)

Recommended For: Leaders, deep thinkers, self-improvement seekers, and mature students.

The Book

Context: Meditations is the posthumous title given to the collection of private journals written by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius between 170 and 180 AD. Originally intended for his eyes only, these reflections were preserved by scholars and eventually published in the 9th century, long after his death.

Contents: Across its 12 books, the reader encounters loosely structured, itemized reflections on acceptance, kindness, self-discipline, resilience, interconnectedness, and the impermanence of all things. While the first book, Debts and Lessons, sees Aurelius detailing and thanking those who influenced him, the rest of the collection largely lacks structure, unfolding instead as a stream of philosophical meditations.

Here is what you should know

On one hand

1. By skipping the introduction, the casual reader will be unequipped with the context necessary for understanding certain terms and ideas.
2. The themes and main ideas are very repetitive, which culminates over the course of reading and may threaten the reader's ability to maintain interest.

On the other hand

1. Hays's contribution provides (A) the context necessary to understand Meditations in the introduction, (B) a simple yet faithful translation, and (C) concise, unobtrusive notes that enhance the reading experience.
2. The collection's repetitiveness, while potentially tedious, also reinforces its most profound ideas.
3. This collection has a universal relevance, and the simple yet poetic language make it an easy, accessible read for almost anyone.
4. Each book's loose, itemized, and pointed style makes it ideal for readers who prefer something they can dip into and revisit without losing momentum.
5. The raw and authentic nature of Aurelius' writings provides a more sincere and genuine feel than philosophical works composed intentionally for publication.

Judgment

This specific publication of Meditations offers key context and a highly accessible translation. The collection itself is simple, profound, and poetic. A must-read for people who appreciate introspection.

Relevant and Introspective

⭐4.5 / 5

🔵3 / 10 (Casual Challenge)