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samble's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
disagreed with the philosophy a lot, but loved how human it felt
raghav_kannan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
esthersedition's review against another edition
5.0
Marcus Aurelius' profound writings in "Meditations" are an example of prose that leaves a lasting effect on you, has you highlighting nearly every line, and tabbing almost every page. Reoccurring topics on death, the shortness of life, kinship, reason, wisdom, virtue, discipline, purpose, and mental fortitude provide you with a whole new perspective on the world that can be practically applied to life - even in the 21st century. Inspiring readers globally to cultivate a habit of retreating to that same 'inner citadel' that Marcus did during his expeditions in his last tenure as Emperor of Rome while writing 'Meditations.' Ironically, something akin to a journal that was not meant just for Marcus' eyes but was destined to be seen by the world and help many for years to come.
What strikes me most about Marcus' writings was the self-admonishing cadence he adopted, which without it, would make insights in the book seem condescending and pompous. Knowing that he was self-critical and at times depressing, even as Emperor of Rome, gave him a humble face that readers still relate to thousands of years later.
Another endearing aspect of his writings in 'Meditations' was how it was never meant to be read. He wrote in Greek, not Latin though he ruled Rome. He intended his writing to be private, as an opportunity to vent only to himself, so that he could be as honest as possible; giving him room to reflect on his deepest and darkest thoughts without the judgmental gaze of others. These raw and honest thoughts that give us a glimpse into Marcus' 'inner citadel' are things that we can still relate to even thousands of years later. He was a forward thinker, well ahead of his time, and he didn't know it. I wonder how he would feel to know that he is more revered for his writings as a great philosopher, his true passion that he had to sacrifice, than as his work as Emperor of Rome?
However, I've read some criticism online that found the book to be monotonous and over-hyped. Some reviews view it as nothing but repeated ramblings of the iterative topics that plagued Marcus' mind. But if you look beyond the repeated references, you see a man who faced great responsibilities, denied his passion for philosophy for the good of his nation, who was relentlessly taming and disciplining his body to listen to the mind and soul, to become the best version of himself that he desired to be. It is an honest account of a man's quest for self-improvement, a man with flaws who sought to be kinder, more patient, more loving, despite battling with his own insecurities and doubts, while having to put on the bravest face, shouldering the great title as Emperor of Rome until his death.
What strikes me most about Marcus' writings was the self-admonishing cadence he adopted, which without it, would make insights in the book seem condescending and pompous. Knowing that he was self-critical and at times depressing, even as Emperor of Rome, gave him a humble face that readers still relate to thousands of years later.
Another endearing aspect of his writings in 'Meditations' was how it was never meant to be read. He wrote in Greek, not Latin though he ruled Rome. He intended his writing to be private, as an opportunity to vent only to himself, so that he could be as honest as possible; giving him room to reflect on his deepest and darkest thoughts without the judgmental gaze of others. These raw and honest thoughts that give us a glimpse into Marcus' 'inner citadel' are things that we can still relate to even thousands of years later. He was a forward thinker, well ahead of his time, and he didn't know it. I wonder how he would feel to know that he is more revered for his writings as a great philosopher, his true passion that he had to sacrifice, than as his work as Emperor of Rome?
However, I've read some criticism online that found the book to be monotonous and over-hyped. Some reviews view it as nothing but repeated ramblings of the iterative topics that plagued Marcus' mind. But if you look beyond the repeated references, you see a man who faced great responsibilities, denied his passion for philosophy for the good of his nation, who was relentlessly taming and disciplining his body to listen to the mind and soul, to become the best version of himself that he desired to be. It is an honest account of a man's quest for self-improvement, a man with flaws who sought to be kinder, more patient, more loving, despite battling with his own insecurities and doubts, while having to put on the bravest face, shouldering the great title as Emperor of Rome until his death.
neilmartin's review against another edition
5.0
The journals of a Roman general whom had no idea (or intention) that these would later be published.
It makes you think a lot differently with the things that life throws at you.
It makes you think a lot differently with the things that life throws at you.