Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

May 2010 · Naxos AudioBooks · Narrated by Duncan Steen

About this audiobook

One of the most significant books ever written by a head of State, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121Ð180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companionsÊÐ a cornerstone of Western thought. Translation by George Long revised by Duncan Steen.

Ratings and reviews

The Meditations should be required reading for all bibliophiles and philosophy enthusiasts. This is made so much better by this absolutely masterful reading by Mr. Steen.

yeah great.... but why isn't it available for family library? I'd appreciate Google either pressuring / incentivizing publishers to make their content family library eligible, or allow more family members.

About the author

Born in Rome, in 121, Marcus Aurelius was one of the most respected emperors in Roman history. When he was 17, Aurelius was adopted by emperor Antonius Pius and succeeded him in A.D. 161. He ruled jointly with his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, until 169, when he became sole emperor after Verus died. Although Aurelius was a humanitarian ruler, he accepted the view that Christians were the enemies of Rome. Aurelius was dovoted to the Stoic philosophy. Meditations, his spiritual reflections, is considered a classic work of stoicism. Written in Greek, the work comprises of twelve books and records his innermost thoughts. Meditations is his only surviving work. Aurelius died in 180 while prosecuting war against the Marcomanni who lived along the northern limits of the Roman Empire. After his death Aurelius was idealized as the perfect emperor whose reign contrasted sharply with the disastrous period before him and the reigns that followed.