Meditations Paperback – September 1, 2024

Book was as described and expected.

It was used to ship samples. It's attractive and sturdy.

Educated your mind

My son is enjoying!

Speedy shipment and quality of product

An amazing read. Necessary for our time

Marcus Aurelius's Meditations is a thoughtful set of personal reflections on living and the purpose of life. The cornerstone of his philosophy was Stoicism, which does come across as a bit severe. There are many timeless maxims and thoughts expressed in his notes that are certainly worth remembering and even trying to apply to one's own life today. Some of the well-known quotes and themes expressed include being content with what you have, leading a virtuous life by demonstrating such traits as justice, piety, modesty and so forth, and living each day as if it were your last.Aurelius believed in the gods and certainly states throughout this book his conception of the natural order of things as they established. We are seen as only insignificant parts of the whole; whether we live a long live or die young, it doesn't really matter. Death should be accepted as part of that plan. All things that happen are for a reason. His is certainly a carpe diem type mentality, though indulging in pleasure doesn't really figure in. Happiness, to Aurelius, is finding yourself and being content with where you are and understanding your role and leading a virtuous life. Don't let your actions be governed by winning the approval of others. Seek tranquility deep within yourself. Avoid passions. These are just some of the many statements and views incorporated into the philosophy espoused by this Roman Emperor. Though he was no supporter of Christianity, from what I understand, you can't help but see a few similarities between some areas of Christian thought and Aurelius's philosophy, at lease on a few points.Unlike another book by Barnes and Noble I recently read, also part of their library of essential reading, this book has an introduction (which the other one had, but given the length of the other book, more information would have been useful) and helpful concluding sections on the historical Marcus Aurelius and his philosophy. This book is difficult at times, but more often than not, you will grasp the essence of the ideas being conveyed. Timeless.