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00gmo's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Tough read for me, but a lot of ancient texts take me a while.
I found trying to rush through the meditations a difficult task and ended up reading maybe one or two a day to really chew on them. The forward of this edition highlights how Marcus' Greek can come across as awkward once translated to English and I really felt that with some excerpts; just difficult to wrap your head around what he is trying to say.
I got a lot of value out of the themes present in this book and found myself reflecting on a lot of the arguments and lessons Marcus puts forth. Being aware of "indifferences" in your life, showing restraint in all things, expressing your sympathy without letting your empathy consume you; it's all a lot to think about especially in today's world. Unfortunately, if you don't agree with some of his suppositions such as Providence, some arguments will fall flat.
I think I should reread this after I've read some other philosophical texts. I think I would appreciate his positions more with exposure to his contemporaries and maybe some modern interpretations of his world view.
I really enjoyed the letters between Marcus and Fronto, like reading Pliny the Younger's letters it's like a window into the past.
I found trying to rush through the meditations a difficult task and ended up reading maybe one or two a day to really chew on them. The forward of this edition highlights how Marcus' Greek can come across as awkward once translated to English and I really felt that with some excerpts; just difficult to wrap your head around what he is trying to say.
I got a lot of value out of the themes present in this book and found myself reflecting on a lot of the arguments and lessons Marcus puts forth. Being aware of "indifferences" in your life, showing restraint in all things, expressing your sympathy without letting your empathy consume you; it's all a lot to think about especially in today's world. Unfortunately, if you don't agree with some of his suppositions such as Providence, some arguments will fall flat.
I think I should reread this after I've read some other philosophical texts. I think I would appreciate his positions more with exposure to his contemporaries and maybe some modern interpretations of his world view.
I really enjoyed the letters between Marcus and Fronto, like reading Pliny the Younger's letters it's like a window into the past.
chairmanbernanke's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting thoughts from Marcus, but he was probably a better emperor than philosopher, and more a writer than a thinker.
cynicusrex's review against another edition
5.0
Since Marcus Aurelius did not intend to publicize his notations, it'd be folly not to disregard its repetitive nature toward the end or not to acknowledge its profoundness. Meditations is replete with applicable wisdom for all ages. Marcus will surely improve your life no matter if you've just been brought into this world, or whether you're about to leave it.
Moreover, as a quote collector, I was surprised to discover that a significant amount of quotes I've come across over the years clearly trace back to this book. To realize that all these great thinkers have read it, and that I have had the privilege of doing so too, is amazing.
Moreover, as a quote collector, I was surprised to discover that a significant amount of quotes I've come across over the years clearly trace back to this book. To realize that all these great thinkers have read it, and that I have had the privilege of doing so too, is amazing.
rallemandi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.25
spela's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
little_man's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
One of the best philosophical books I’ve ever read, easy to understand and just very nice, reassuring and interesting to read.