Book Reivew | Mediations
- Greg McNeilly
- Jan 30, 2022
- 17 min read
Updated: Mar 20
MEDITATIONS: The Annotated Edition | Marcus Aurelius, trans by Robin Waterfield, Basic Books, p384.
For the last 26 Januarys, I’ve read a translation of Mediations. And I imagine my character challenges require it for the next 26. No one reads the same book twice, just as no stone is thrown in the same river twice. Each reading of this seminal work is an exercise in conviction - not unlike the experience of reading any sacred text. It’s an exhortation towards better.
Waterfield’s translation is a delightful edition, adding unique insights in its heavily annotated footnotes that enliven and enlighten.
His translation is a leap forward in accessibility. It’s akin to switching from the biblical King James to the NIV. Compared to the Hays translation, it sometimes lacks punch but is more modern in prose. This is particularly helpful when Aurelius meanders reflecting on his ancient understanding of physics (which is often esoteric).
A late Stoic, Aurelius writes not for publication but in his private journal. As Emperor, he spent his time at the battlefront against Germanic tribes or domestically administering the empire during a plague. He’s a man of action—a public leader—who led a life of tremendous introspection.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, born on April 26, 121 AD, was a member of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD. His father, Marcus Annius Verus, was a wealthy equestrian, while his mother, Domitia Lucilla, came from an aristocratic family. Marcus Aurelius was educated in Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, and politics, which prepared him for his eventual ascension to the throne. He succeeded his adoptive father, Antoninus Pius, as emperor in 161 AD and ruled until he died in 180 AD.
Marcus Aurelius is remembered for his military campaigns, administrative reforms, intellectual pursuits, and philosophical writings. He was deeply influenced by Stoicism, a school of thought that emphasized reason, self-control, and inner strength. His journals, later compiled and published as "Meditations," reflect his deep commitment to Stoic principles and offer insight into his introspective nature and leadership philosophy.
Significance of "Meditations" in Western Civilization
In "Meditations," Marcus Aurelius offers a series of philosophical meditations, often addressed to himself, on various aspects of life, ethics, and leadership. Some central themes and arguments include:
The Importance of Reason and Self-Reflection: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the need for rational thinking, self-awareness, and introspection. He encourages individuals to question their beliefs, values, and actions, fostering personal growth and self-improvement.
Virtue Ethics: The book focuses on developing virtue and moral character. Marcus Aurelius argues that a virtuous life requires discipline, responsibility, and adherence to principles rather than mere external appearances or material possessions.
Cosmic Determinism: Marcus Aurelius subscribes to a form of determinism, believing everything in the universe is interconnected and predetermined. He encourages acceptance of fate and advocates for living by universal principles rather than struggling against them.
Inner Strength and Resilience: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of developing inner fortitude and perseverance throughout the book. He advises individuals to cultivate a strong sense of self, unwavering resolve, and courage in adversity.
Leadership Philosophy: Marcus Aurelius, a ruler, offered insights into effective leadership. He emphasized the importance of justice, fairness, and compassion and underscored the leader's duty to serve others and promote the common good.
Nature and Human Nature: The book explores the natural world and humanity's place within it. Marcus Aurelius contemplates the fleeting nature of existence.
The Fleeting Nature of Existence: Marcus Aurelius frequently reflects on the transience of life, urging individuals to cherish each moment and live in the present. He reminds us that our time on earth is limited and that we should strive to make the most of it.
Gratitude and Appreciation: The book expresses gratitude for the simple pleasures in life, such as health, family, friends, and the beauty of nature. Marcus Aurelius encourages individuals to cultivate a mindset of appreciation, recognizing the value of everyday experiences and relationships.
Mindfulness and Living in the Present: Marcus Aurelius promotes mindfulness and living in the present moment, recognizing the fleeting nature of existence. He suggests focusing on the present moment without worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
Non-attachment: Another essential idea in "Meditations" is non-attachment. Marcus Aurelius advises individuals to avoid attachment to material possessions, status, thoughts, and emotions. This philosophy helps individuals develop inner peace and maintain equanimity amidst life's challenges.
Overcoming Negative Emotions: The book addresses various negative emotions, such as anger, fear, and envy, offering strategies for managing and overcoming them. Marcus Aurelius suggests recognizing the irrational nature of these emotions and replacing them with more constructive thoughts and behaviors.
Personal Growth and Development: Throughout his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of continuous personal growth and self-improvement. He encourages individuals to challenge themselves, learn from mistakes, and cultivate new skills and perspectives.
Practicing Stoicism: Meditations is not explicitly a treatise on Stoicism, but it conveys many core Stoic principles. These include the pursuit of virtue, indifference to external events, and the belief in a universal reason governing the cosmos. By practicing Stoicism, Marcus Aurelius illustrates how individuals can cultivate inner strength, wisdom, and contentment.
Recognizing Interdependence: The book acknowledges the interconnectedness of all things, emphasizing our reliance on one another and the natural world. This recognition encourages cooperation, empathy, mutual respect among people, and a deep appreciation for the intricate web of life.
Seeking Guidance from History: Marcus Aurelius often looks to history for inspiration and guidance. He cites examples of exemplary individuals, both historical and mythological, who embodied virtues such as courage, wisdom, and self-discipline. By studying the past, he encourages readers to draw lessons and apply them to their lives.
The Role of Chance and Fate: While emphasizing personal responsibility, Marcus Aurelius also acknowledges the role of chance and fate in shaping our lives. He suggests that individuals should adapt to changing circumstances and accept what lies outside their control while still striving to act virtuously and make wise decisions.
Universal Principles and Cosmic Order: Underlying many themes in "Meditations" is a belief in universal principles and a coherent cosmic order. Marcus Aurelius posits that the universe operates according to reason and that individuals should strive to align themselves with this higher purpose. This perspective fosters a sense of harmony between humans, nature, and the broader cosmos.
Virtue as the Supreme Good: For Marcus Aurelius, virtue represents the supreme good, eclipsing other perceived benefits like wealth, power, or pleasure. He argues that a virtuous life brings happiness, fulfillment, and lasting value.
Warnings Against Luxury and Complacency: Throughout the book, the author cautions against excessive luxury and complacency, which can lead to softness, indulgence, and a decline in personal character. Instead, he advocates for simplicity, frugality, and moderation.
Embracing Mortality: Finally, "Meditations" confronts the reality of mortality, accepting it as an inherent aspect of life. Marcus Aurelius encourages individuals to embrace their finite existence, using it as motivation to live meaningfully and make the most of their brief time on earth.
The Importance of Reason: Marcus Aurelius frequently emphasizes the significance of reason in understanding the world and navigating life's challenges. He sees reason as a source of wisdom, guidance, and inner strength.
The Nature of the Universe: The book discusses the nature of the universe, describing it as an interconnected whole governed by reason and natural laws. This perspective encourages awe, wonder, and respect for the natural world.
The Role of Imagination: Marcus Aurelius discusses the power of imagination in shaping our perceptions and experiences. He suggests that we use imagination to visualize and prepare ourselves for various challenges and cultivate mental images that promote inner strength and resilience.
Dealing with Adversity: The book offers insights into coping with adversity, emphasizing the importance of resilience, patience, and acceptance in the face of hardships. Marcus Aurelius encourages individuals to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
Cultivating Inner Strength: Throughout "Meditations," Marcus Aurelius stresses the need to develop inner strength and resilience. He believes true strength lies in managing one’s thoughts, emotions, and desires rather than physical prowess or external power.
The Value of Solitude: The author praises solitude's benefits, recommending periods of quiet contemplation to reflect, introspect, and recharge. Solitude allows individuals to connect with their inner selves, gain clarity, and cultivate wisdom.
The Fleeting Nature of Human Life: Marcus Aurelius regularly reminds himself—and readers—of the transient nature of human existence. This awareness encourages a focus on the present moment and a desire to make the most of the time available for personal growth and positive impact.
The Importance of Friendship: The book celebrates the value of genuine friendships, emphasizing the significance of shared values, trust, and support. True friendship provides comfort, advice, and inspiration for personal development.
Coping with Change and Uncertainty: "Meditations" addresses the inevitability of change and uncertainty in life. Marcus Aurelius encourages individuals to embrace flexibility, adapt to new situations, and find ways to thrive despite unpredictable circumstances.
Maintaining Perspective: The author urges readers to support a broad perspective, considering the larger context of the universe and the minute scale of individual existence. This balanced view helps individuals remain humble, grounded, and grateful for their place in the world.
The Power of Letting Go: Marcus Aurelius advocates letting go of attachments to outcomes, expectations, and negative emotions. Individuals can attain greater freedom, peace, and inner harmony by releasing these burdens.
Embracing Impermanence: The book explores the concept of impermanence, acknowledging that everything in life is subject to change and decay. Instead of resisting this natural process, Marcus Aurelius suggests embracing it to cultivate detachment, acceptance, and a deeper appreciation for life’s fleeting moments instead of fighting it.
Self-Reflection and Introspection: Throughout "Meditations," the author engages in self-reflection and introspection, examining his thoughts, emotions, and actions. He encourages readers to do the same, seeking self-awareness, personal growth, and spiritual evolution.
The Benefits of Physical Exercise: Marcus Aurelius extols the virtues of physical exercise, which he sees as a way to discipline the body, improve mental focus, and enhance overall well-being. He encourages regular activity, moderation, and self-care.
The Pursuit of Wisdom: The book concludes with reflections on the ultimate goal of life: the pursuit of wisdom. For Marcus Aurelius, wisdom encompasses a deep understanding of the universe, oneself, and the interconnectedness of all things. It guides individuals toward virtuous living, inner peace, and a fulfilling existence.
36. In “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, these thirty-five themes and ideas offer valuable insights into Stoic philosophy, personal development, and meaningful life. They provide
In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations is a profound and timeless philosophical work that offers practical wisdom for living a virtuous and fulfilling life. The book is a collection of personal reflections and musings that touch on themes such as stoicism, self-control, inner strength, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Throughout the book, Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner strength, managing thoughts and emotions, and living by reason and virtue. He also stresses the need to embrace challenges and difficulties as opportunities.
The book stands out for its accessibility and relevance, serving as an invaluable guide for those pursuing practical wisdom amid life’s complexities. Its profound themes resonate deeply, offering timeless insights into the essence of human existence.
Most Meditations revolve around four recurring themes: death, fame, anger, and how to treat others. The timeless truths of controlling ourselves and our internal reactions as requisites for virtue and a happy life remain an enduring conversation. Highly recommended to all.
QUOTES
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." (Page 16)
"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it." (Page 21)
"It is not the events in our lives that cause us pain, but our own judgments about them." (Page 27)
"The only thing we can control is our thoughts and actions." (Page 31)
"We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." (Page 35)
"Ambition means tying your well-being to external factors, which are often outside your control." (Page 45)
"The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today." (Page 51)
"People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them." (Page 57)
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live according to nature." (Page 63)
"Happiness depends on ourselves." (Page 67)
"The wise man will always be content with what he has, and will not let his happiness depend on what is external." (Page 71)
"A man's soul is dyed the color of his thoughts." (Page 75)
"The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." (Page 81)
"Let thy mind be at rest, and let thy heart be at peace. Then, whensoever thou shalt have returned to the universe, thou shalt enjoy a blessed and tranquil existence." (Page 87)
"The universe is a single, harmonious whole, and the glory of its Creator is revealed equally in every part." (Page 93)
"Everything that happens is in line with universal law, and the law of nature is the same for all." (Page 101)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Page 107)
"Be like a rocky promontory against which the waves dash themselves in vain." (Page 113)
"As the rational animal, man is born to rule over all other animals, but his rationality is lost if he allows himself to be ruled by his passions." (Page 125)
"To do wrong is easy, but to face the consequences is hard." (Page 131)
"The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune." (Page 137)
"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it." (Page 143)
"Do not let your thoughts forfeit the present moment." (Page 149)
"What matters is not the length of life, but the depth." (Page 155)
"Man is a social creature, and it is through social interaction that he develops his powers of reasoning." (Page 167)
"Reason is the highest human faculty, and it is through reason that we understand the truth." (Page 173)
"The greatest good is to seek the divine, and the greatest evil is to reject it." (Page 179)
"The universe is transformation; our life is what our thoughts make it." (Book 5, Section 16)
"The only constant is change. The only constant is the present moment." (Book 5, Section 22)
"Things are not as important as our thoughts about them." (Book 5, Section 25)
"The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." (Book 5, Section 26)
"The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today." (Book 6, Section 10)
"The days were too short for toil, too long for thought." (Book 6, Section 14)
"It is not the events in our lives that cause us pain, but our own judgments about them." (Book 6, Section 18)
"The universe is not made of atoms, but of stories." (Book 6, Section 20)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Book 6, Section 21)
"Be like a rocky promontory against which the waves dash themselves in vain." (Book 6, Section 22)
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." (Book 6, Section 23)
"As the rational animal, man is born to rule over all other animals, but his rationality is lost if he allows himself to be ruled by his passions." (Book 6, Section 25)
"To do wrong is easy, but to face the consequences is hard." (Book 6, Section 27)
"The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune." (Book 6, Section 29)
"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it." (Book 6, Section 30)
OUTLINE
Book 1:
Introduction: Marcus Aurelius reflects on his character and the purpose of his meditations.
Section 1-6: Marcus Aurelius discusses the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 7-12: He reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the present moment.
Section 13-18: He emphasizes cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 23-26: He expresses gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped him.
Section 27-30: Marcus Aurelius reflects on the role of fate and the importance of accepting things outside of one's control.
Book 2:
Section 1-3: Marcus Aurelius continues to explore the concept of fate and the importance of living by it.
Section 4-6: He discusses the value of self-reflection and introspection.
Section 7-11: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living simply and avoiding excess.
Section 12-14: He reflects on the importance of honoring one's ancestors and elders.
Section 15-18: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 19-22: He discusses recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 23-26: Marcus Aurelius reflects on developing inner strength and resilience.
Book 3:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the interconnectedness of all things and the unity of the universe.
Section 6-10: He discusses the importance of living in harmony with nature and respecting the natural order of things.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius reflects on cultivating inner peace and contentment.
Section 15-18: He emphasizes the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being mindful of one's thoughts and actions.
Section 23-26: He discusses the importance of self-awareness and introspection.
Book 4:
Section 1-4: Marcus Aurelius reflects on the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of distractions.
Section 5-8: He discusses the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 9-12: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 13-16: He reflects on recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 17-20: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 21-25: He discusses the importance of developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 5:
Sections 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the cyclical nature of time and the importance of living according to the seasons.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 6:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius reflects on the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He discusses the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He reflects on recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He discusses the importance of developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 7:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the interconnectedness of all things and the unity of the universe.
Section 6-10: He discusses the importance of living in harmony with nature and respecting the natural order of things.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 15-18: He emphasizes the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being mindful of one's thoughts and actions.
Section 23-26: He discusses the importance of self-awareness and introspection.
Book 8:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius reflects on the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of distractions.
Section 6-10: He discusses the importance of cultivating inner peace and contentment.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He reflects on recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He discusses the importance of developing inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Book 9:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the present moment.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 10:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius discusses the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 11:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius reflects on the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He discusses the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 12:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the present moment.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 13:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius discusses the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 14:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the interconnectedness of all things and the unity of the universe.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 15:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius discusses the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 16:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius reflects on the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He discusses the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 17:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the interconnectedness of all things and the unity of the universe.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 18:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius discusses the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 19:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius explores the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the present moment.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
Book 20:
Section 1-5: Marcus Aurelius discusses the importance of living by reason and virtue.
Section 6-10: He reflects on cultivating inner strength and resilience in adversity.
Section 11-14: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and respecting their individuality.
Section 15-18: He discusses the importance of recognizing and managing one's emotions.
Section 19-22: Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for one's beliefs.
• 6. Section 23-26: He reflects on developing inner peace and contentment.
