Meditations

I don't know who did the translation for this one but I found it very difficult to follow. This prompted me to look around and I found another translation by George Long (Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus 1862). Even though it's not a recent translation, Long's version is often easier to understand. Compare the translations of the first paragraph for example:This version:Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. From the fame and memory of him that begot me I have learned both shamefastness and manlike behaviour. Of my mother I have learned to be religious, and bountiful; and to forbear, not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content myself with a spare diet, and to fly all such excess as is incidental to great wealth. Of my great-grandfather, both to frequent public schools and auditories, and to get me good and able teachers at home; and that I ought not to think much, if upon such occasions, I were at excessive charges.George Long's version:From my grandfather Verus I learned good morals and the government of my temper. From the reputation and remembrance of my father, modesty and a manly character. From my mother, piety and beneficence, and abstinence, not only from evil deeds, but even from evil thoughts; and further, simplicity in my way of living, far removed from the habits of the rich. From my great-grandfather, not to have frequented public schools, and to have had good teachers at home, and to know that on such things a man should spend liberally.Having said this however, it's still worth comparing both translations which are free on the Kindle.

I love this book however this print has a line down most pages where no ink is printed and letters are missing making an already difficult text hard to decipher

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard, accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.”Before I get into details, I must say that reading Meditations was one of the hardest, but most rewarding experiences in my own personal growth. The book has done so much to ferment my prior beliefs and has helped a lot to broaden my mind and encourage me to be all that I can be.It is very difficult in today’s world to believe in anything, whether it be divine beings, other people, or even ourselves. It is an epidemic that buries potential and love deep down and leaves anger and frustration to dictate life.There is no reason to feel unhappy, unfulfilled, or unappreciated , and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius offers advice to anyone who is looking for self help, self love, and a rational way of directing life.Before reading this book it is interesting to know the man that wrote it. Marcus Aurelius was the last of The Five Good Emperors of Ancient Rome. He took the title of Augustus after the death of his adopted father, Antoninus Pius, the adopted son of the late Emperor Hadrian.However Marcus Aurelius had tried to pass on the emperorship, for he prefered a much more simple philosophic lifestyle. He accepted the honor with the sole demand that Lucius Verus, his adopted brother, would share the seat with him.Sharing his seat of power is the one move that summarizes Marcus Aurelius’s entire life; the fear of power and the duty embedded in him through his interest in Stoicism, a philosophy that grounds itself on self-restraint, reason, and fate.His work is a reflection of his life, and the words inscribed in Meditations are the product of his own thoughts and his own experiences. While reading this book good feelings will begin to surface through introspection, and in turn bad feelings will be expelled.In my everyday life quotes from his book swim in my mind when I am met with difficult situations, and they enable me to make smarter more thought out and rational decisions. It is fascinating and rewarding each time I don’t simply act on impulse.This book is not for entertainment, not for adventure, and it is definitely not a “light read.” It is a book that will help those who seek help, irritate those who don’t, and fascinate those who wish to learn and grow.

This is a book you don't read in 4-5 hours cover to cover and move on. It's a philosophy. I reread passages, and am on chapter/book 3 right now. Learn and apply. Tame yourself and conquer the world. Excellent book, timeless. He speaks to us all. "Mann jite jagjit" (conquer your mind and then you will conquer the world) - Sikh philosophy.

Meditations is my standard gift for graduates to start their libraries with a thoughtful commentary on life. I most often give The Everyman's Library version, but for some reason, Prime did not offer it at the time, and I thought I would try this version. It was more expensive ($24.95 vs $19.20), not as nice a book (glossy black cover, no page marker ribbon, no book jacket), and when I weighed which graduate to give it to, I didn't like the feel, since two graduates were getting the Everyman's Library version. On top of the more expensive acquisition cost, Amazon does not return this version free, so it is costing me $5.99 to return a version that is not as nice.

As a linguist and translator I have to say that this is an appalling translation. The vocabulary used is totally inappropriate for the period of antiquity in which it was written - full of Americanisms like "guys". The English grammar was so bad I couldn't follow the meaning. In the end I gave up and removed it from my device replacing it with a far better translation that did not even cost me anything. I could have done a better job myself.

This translation is completely unreadable - like maybe they just fed the text into google translate? Unfortunately I left it too long to return this for a refund, but please please please learn from my mistakes and don't order this version! As an example, this is the first couple of lines copied faithfully:"MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS turned into born on April 26, A.D. 121. His actual name was M. Annius Verus, and he changed into sprung of a noble own family which claimed decent from Numa, 2nd King of Rome."I was also surprised at the many references to Marcus Aurelius's many web pages:"on the very first web page of his book..."etc

DO NOT BUY! Don’t waste your money buying this abysmal translation. I have no idea how this has gained any reviews more than one star - it is largely unreadable gibberish, and the word ‘software’ should definitely not be present! Should be removed from Amazon.

Don't bother. A very poor translation by someone who needs to study the English language. Search for a recommended version. I gave up after struggling with the introduction.

Started reading at the intro... and immediately came across stuff like:" ... MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS become born on April 26, AD 121. His actual name changed into M. Annius Verus , and he changed into sprung of a noble own family which Claimed descent from Numa, 2d King of Rome. Thus the maximum spiritual of emperors Got right here of the blood of the maximum pious of early kings. His father, Annius Verrus, had held excessive office in Rome, and his grandfather, of the identical call, were thrice Consul..."My first reaction was "WTF?"... it appears like it was machine translated and not edited at all. Later it gets worse:"His body changed into knowledgeable to hardihood through way of wrestling, searching, and outside video video video video games; and no matter the truth that his charter have become susceptible, he confirmed superb personal courage to encounter the fiercest boars. At the same time he changed into stored from the extravagancies of his day. The tremendous delight in Rome end up the strife of the Factions, as they have been known as, inside the circus. The racing drivers used to undertake clearly one in every of 4 shades—pink, blue, white, or green—and their partisans confirmed an eagerness in helping them which no longer some element can also furthermore additionally want to surpass.""... outside video video video video games" (?!?!?) Seriously?So, it's basically unreadable. No idea how this was translated, or by who, but it's clearly not what I thought I was buying. No faith that the actual meditations which follow have been faithfully translated, and I've requesting a refund.Best avoid this one and pick a version from a reputable source.