Meditations

Penguin Classics

By: Marcus Aurelius, Diskin Clay, Martin Hammond

Narrated by: Richard Armitage

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Richard Armitage, star of Peter Jackson'sThe Hobbit trilogy and also known for his roles in Ocean's 8 and Spooks. This definitive recording is translated with notes by Martin Hammond and an introduction by Diskin Clay. Originally written only for his personal consumption, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations has become a key text in the understanding of Roman Stoic philosophy.

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. 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.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio

must read

everyone should read this. It was like remembering my purpose. If people only held these truths in today's time the world would be a better place

Timeless Wisdom

I am truly amazed at how relevant almost everything he wrote still is today.

required reading for all leaders.

This is a must read/listen for everybody who is leading others. Doesn't matter if as a parent or in professional environments. Self-Mastery is the only real foundation for mentoring or leading others.

If a person who is the emperor of the biggest empire in the world at that time, can nurture kindness, truthfulness, generosity and modesty together with some other virtues.... Everybody can.

I loved it

I liked the wisdom that was given. I would listen to this while I walked or worked. Sometimes I would rewind it just to make sure I got the message. Marcus was very intelligent, if I didn’t know who he really was, I would of thought he was speaking in todays time. His words and outlook is relevant in todays time.

Exceptional book

I am glad I took the time to listen to this audio book and follow along with the paperback.

Clear narration, excellent translation.

I originally bought the version by Nexus, but changed it as it was a bit of a struggle to understand it. The narrator of this Penguin version is an experienced actor (see the Penguin website for more info), and as a result the reading is clear and understandable, with the correct emphasis, breaks, etc. The translation is different from the popular Hays translation, with the emphasis of this edition seems to be to capture the eloquence of the emperor. The volume could be louder but otherwise superb.

Enlightenment by Marcus A. Enjoyment by Richard A.

No better voice to bring the words of Marcus Aurelius to life that Richard Armitage.

Depressing thoughts of a Ceasar!

Read this on recommendation by many folks and other authors. The translation and narration was excellent! I do not fault the publisher or author of this book for Marcus's depressing thoughts. Definitely worth the read and worth re-reading later on in life. While Marcus Aurelius's thoughts carry an excellent message of not letting the small stuff getting to you, and to be a kindler and better person, I can not help but to think that the man lacked a passion for life. Some of his thoughts make sense, but they are framed from his time period. This makes some of those thoughts, not quite true within humanity's lifetime.

Excellent listen though... if somewhat depressing. Or opposite... depends how you take it.

Beautifully Produced.

Meditations is not just a book, it's a way of life. Wonderful wisdoms to live by, hours of material to drive introspection. I'll be listening to this text again and again and I will be better for it.

Could listen to this over and over

Great way to stay grounded and to maintain reason and perspective. The teachings of Marcus Aurelius really helps you to focus on your character and discipline. Fosters a sense of gratitude and personal ownership.