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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
reflective
slow-paced
My main criticism is that this book heavily replies on patronizing language. There is a lot about "obedience" and "love the discipline you know". Ways of thinking that are very convient for someone with a lot of power to give those facing oppression
I understand that Marcus Aurelius didn't intend for these small bits to be published together in a book. However, it is pretty repetitive.
For example, I stopped reading when it became clear that he believes 1) that you choose if something harms you and 2) if evil isn't harming you / your community directly, it should be ignored.
It just seems like a method of numbing rather than genuine help.
I understand that Marcus Aurelius didn't intend for these small bits to be published together in a book. However, it is pretty repetitive.
For example, I stopped reading when it became clear that he believes 1) that you choose if something harms you and 2) if evil isn't harming you / your community directly, it should be ignored.
It just seems like a method of numbing rather than genuine help.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
1. The longest introduction I have ever read.
2. I understand that this was meant to be for himself. But that makes it even more difficult to read because translation plays a part, and he gets repetitive. It lacks a continuous, linear argument.
3. It is just a challenging read because of complexity, format, its repetitive nature, and less than ideal translation. I liked its authenticity, but the material density is just off-putting.
2. I understand that this was meant to be for himself. But that makes it even more difficult to read because translation plays a part, and he gets repetitive. It lacks a continuous, linear argument.
3. It is just a challenging read because of complexity, format, its repetitive nature, and less than ideal translation. I liked its authenticity, but the material density is just off-putting.
This was good. And I’m glad it was. Seneca had pretty much put me off Greek philosophy completely, and this was a welcome surprise.
So this is basically Marcus Aurelius’ diary that he never intended for other people to read. It’s a collection of entries he made randomly, instructing and reminding himself how to live and act. Most of his instructions are of the stoic school of philosophy, to no one’s surprise. And they aren’t something you would be unaware of either. It’s all about what we know is good- keep your feelings and thoughts in control, accept what has happened and do what you can. So don’t expect any revelations from this book.
The reason it’s good is seeing the things written down, knowing they were written by an emperor almost two thousand years ago, and still relating to it. How he is reminding himself, you are reminded too, with new words every time. You see how he constantly has to keep himself in check, just like a normal person. It isn’t like the other stoic philosophy books I tried. They seemed more preachy. This seems human. The things are said again and again, and you see Marcus dealing with normal problems- annoying people, escapism, laziness, being good to others, wanting validation. I think it feels more intimate, and hence helps you more.
He brings up god and nature a lot as divine and perfect presence. I wouldn’t agree with that, of course, but I think trying to think and relate what he says to your own life and modern times can lead to some really interesting thoughts.
And as I said, there are a lot of repetitions. He talks about the same things over and over again. That does reinforce the ideas, but also makes it a bit annoying to get through. Added to that is the fact that each chapter is a collection of entries which are at most a few paragraphs, but mostly a few lines. That makes it harder to maintain a chain of thought, when each paragraph can be talking about something new.
But in the end, it all means the same. It makes you understand Marcus' thinking, and I think that's great. It really can help you, if only by reminding you. Don’t expect any big epiphany, or for everything to make sense. But read with an open mind.
So this is basically Marcus Aurelius’ diary that he never intended for other people to read. It’s a collection of entries he made randomly, instructing and reminding himself how to live and act. Most of his instructions are of the stoic school of philosophy, to no one’s surprise. And they aren’t something you would be unaware of either. It’s all about what we know is good- keep your feelings and thoughts in control, accept what has happened and do what you can. So don’t expect any revelations from this book.
The reason it’s good is seeing the things written down, knowing they were written by an emperor almost two thousand years ago, and still relating to it. How he is reminding himself, you are reminded too, with new words every time. You see how he constantly has to keep himself in check, just like a normal person. It isn’t like the other stoic philosophy books I tried. They seemed more preachy. This seems human. The things are said again and again, and you see Marcus dealing with normal problems- annoying people, escapism, laziness, being good to others, wanting validation. I think it feels more intimate, and hence helps you more.
He brings up god and nature a lot as divine and perfect presence. I wouldn’t agree with that, of course, but I think trying to think and relate what he says to your own life and modern times can lead to some really interesting thoughts.
And as I said, there are a lot of repetitions. He talks about the same things over and over again. That does reinforce the ideas, but also makes it a bit annoying to get through. Added to that is the fact that each chapter is a collection of entries which are at most a few paragraphs, but mostly a few lines. That makes it harder to maintain a chain of thought, when each paragraph can be talking about something new.
But in the end, it all means the same. It makes you understand Marcus' thinking, and I think that's great. It really can help you, if only by reminding you. Don’t expect any big epiphany, or for everything to make sense. But read with an open mind.
Timeless advice from the personal journal of a stoic Roman emperor. Marcus Aurelius reminds us to live with intention, to resist reacting negatively to the things which conspire to vex us daily, and to not waste our short lives passing judgment on those whose circumstances we can't understand. These and more teachings from a nearly 2000 year-old manuscript not intended for distribution.
extremely impressive for his age
makes me think a lot about how different times were
I love reading things from so long ago
I liked this quote
makes me think a lot about how different times were
I love reading things from so long ago
I liked this quote
There is no man so fortunate that there shall not be by him when he is dying some who are pleased with what is going to happen. Suppose that he was a good and a wise man, will there not be at least some one to say to himself, Let us at last breathe freely, being relieved from this schoolmaster? It is true that he was harsh to none of us, but I perceive that he tacitly condemns us.—This is what is said of a good man. But in our own case how many other things are there for which there are many who wish to get rid of us.
And I like this one
"Unhappy am I because this has happened to me.- Not so, but happy am I, though this has happened to me, because I continue free from pain, neither crushed by the present nor fearing the future"