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A review by lizziestudieshistory
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
5.0
I feel really uncomfortable rating of reviewing Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - they're so personal and not really intended for mass consumption, which is why I rated it 5 stars as a mark of respect that it isn't my business to criticise his reflections. I'm also not a fan of Stoicism, there are worse philosophies I suppose, but it's not my cup of tea...
I personally didn't find this a particularly pleasant or useful reading experience. I can see why so many have found it such a profound work to read - and I can see someone turning to is as Betteridge did in The Moonstone with Robinson Crusoe (I still haven't completely recovered...)
Had I read 1 or 2 books I may have found this insightful, if not particularly relevant to my own life outside of a few general ideas around being good and striving to be useful to those around you. However, I did find it VERY repetitive (this wasn't helped by reading the entire thing in about 6 hours) and slightly dull. I only carried on with the whole thing because I had to read it before next week and I need time to reflect on what I've read.
My main conclusions from this were:
1. We are insignificant in the grand scope of the universe and must, therefore, focus on our own lives and stop reflecting on those we hold with contempt or malice.
2. We are social beings and must not defy our natures by not being useful to the rest of society. Nothing that is beneficial to the whole is harmful to the individual, as such we must strive to useful and good to those around us without baring each other ill will.
3. We will all die soon, whether that is in a few days, or a few years is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Our lives as thinking, rational, and productive beings are short - we shouldn't waste that time working for selfish and meaningless fame.
4. We should avoid excess and pleasures that removes or goes against our reason. Everything must be done in moderation.
5. Only correct the behaviour of others when you can do so with good will, civility, and patience. Be kind to everyone, even those you find infuriating and tiresome.
I personally didn't find this a particularly pleasant or useful reading experience. I can see why so many have found it such a profound work to read - and I can see someone turning to is as Betteridge did in The Moonstone with Robinson Crusoe (I still haven't completely recovered...)
Had I read 1 or 2 books I may have found this insightful, if not particularly relevant to my own life outside of a few general ideas around being good and striving to be useful to those around you. However, I did find it VERY repetitive (this wasn't helped by reading the entire thing in about 6 hours) and slightly dull. I only carried on with the whole thing because I had to read it before next week and I need time to reflect on what I've read.
My main conclusions from this were:
1. We are insignificant in the grand scope of the universe and must, therefore, focus on our own lives and stop reflecting on those we hold with contempt or malice.
2. We are social beings and must not defy our natures by not being useful to the rest of society. Nothing that is beneficial to the whole is harmful to the individual, as such we must strive to useful and good to those around us without baring each other ill will.
3. We will all die soon, whether that is in a few days, or a few years is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Our lives as thinking, rational, and productive beings are short - we shouldn't waste that time working for selfish and meaningless fame.
4. We should avoid excess and pleasures that removes or goes against our reason. Everything must be done in moderation.
5. Only correct the behaviour of others when you can do so with good will, civility, and patience. Be kind to everyone, even those you find infuriating and tiresome.