Thank you! I picked up a copy last week and began the reading journey. Immediately I learned something valuable about avoiding the teaching of sophists. I realized much of my university courses were trying to teach us what to think instead of thinking critically and with purpose.
It was a funny thing that this book "Meditations" appeared in the Netflix series "Black Sails", Season 2, Episode 5. The series takes place during the Golden Age of Piracy. I noticed a book was placed on a table in this scene but I did not bother to look at the title at first until now.
Also worth reading Cause Unknown: The Epidemic of Sudden Deaths in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by Ed Dowd. 1.1 million US citizens dying suddenly peaking Sept 2022 - CDC stumped, but Stoics know the only variable introduced to the US population was COVID booster shots. 2 months after their boosters from VA Clinic, lost my dad and my friend who were both Vets: Korean and Vietnam respectively. I will continue to practice Stoicism to my abilities, but it is challenging - just like we were told in Meditations.
"this is the maybe the only book of its kind..." yet the bible exists.. Come on People... This book is not even close to the wisdom books of the bible.. oh, and you get to know the person of Jesus Christ..
Thank you, Ryan, your daily emails inspire me to be a better person. Stoicism is like learning how to play a musical instrument, you just gotta keep at it ❤
Happened to me because I picked up the George Long translation, was very outdated, from the 1800s. Got about 8 pages in. The Gregory Hays translation was a huge change and I’m almost done reading it. Much easier read with modern language
Keep watching Ryan's video he explains it pretty well. It's not a book written for the reader, it was a book written for himself. It's a diary. You have to frame it in that and gather lessons in that manner.
another must read book is 'The Philosophy of Epicurus', Dover Thrift Edition.....an absolute gem, the man was a masterful thinker and he's at least equal to the Stoics. His masterful argument, 'Death is nothing to us', cannot be ignored by anyone.
This book has actually saved my life and given me a different perspective on things. It has taught me discipline, self control, and how to approach your fears. I remember I went to Italy a few years ago and saw a statue of him and under my breath said thank you.
I got 4 different translations. Gregory Hays, Penguin Classics, Annoted Edition, and I'm currently reading the Norvegian one with the original title "To myself".
Great meditation to start the day. I carry Marcus Aurelius' Meditations both in my car and in my home library- it's a great wholistic lens to view modern life in.
I carry the Meditations every where I go. Every time I open a page, it gives me a good rub to the brain and brings me back to living my life in accordance to the Emperor's Wisdom. Praise Marcus!!!
"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal writings by the Roman Emperor that reflect his Stoic philosophy. Written as a series of private notes, the book explores themes of virtue, resilience, and rationality. Aurelius emphasizes the importance of inner peace, self-discipline, and accepting things beyond our control. He advocates for focusing on the present moment and maintaining a sense of duty and integrity. The work serves as a guide for personal growth and ethical living, encouraging readers to cultivate a calm and rational mindset amidst life's challenges.
I wonder how many people have been put off reading it because of how Marcus begins the book. Hearing a long list of names we do not know and why he thanks them isn't the best start to a book. 😂
