Meditations: A New Translation (Modern Library Classics)

On the surface Marcus Aurelius is clear in his words. Most of what he says is common sense, bar, perhaps, anything related to providence and god - although, those words have somewhat different meaning in a Stoic sense than what we may associate with them today. Because everything is so clear, is common sense and applicable to our life today the experience reading this book is profound. It's not one to rush through, though. One want to take time to reflect. Reflection can be challenging. Because Marcus challenges our (modern) habits of rushing through life, ever busy, never truly present, often angry, and attached to external goods - we are consuming, but are we living? And are we living well? Reflection on his words can change perspective. And thus can be life changing - if the moral guide Marcus lays out, based on the ancient virtues of Stoic philosophy, are applied in practice in ones life. This often sounds easier than done, in reality. However, it's the same for everything in life: one needs to start, continue to learn, train and get better. Marcus, like many of us, is in this inner fight between what is right and what is wrong. He wants to be a good man, doing the right things, and reminding him in these meditations how to live the good life. On its own, without having any introduction and understanding of Stoic doctrine, the book is certainly valuable to read. However, I can only encourage one to look deeper into the details of Stoic philosophy to get a full understanding of the meaning of Marcus' words. As only then one can truly grasp the "why" beneath the individual paragraphs. Then the Meditations can become a guide for life to keep close to hand at any moment to call on for help and guidance at any moment of uncertainty, struggle and loss. This translation from Gregory Hays is superb. Simple, modern English, without losing the beauty of the language of the original.

Really good, succinct and impactful. This version is brilliant to get to the crux of what MA is saying, to the degree I use the flash card tool on the kindle app every day to give me an aphorism boost. Other versions can weigh more towards the academic, literal, translation where meaning can get a little lost in your attempt to understand it. Hay's version keeps the translation true to form, applicable to daily life, without simplifying the text nor losing substance. If anything the brevity of the syntax rings home the profound philosophy more effectively.

The introduction gives a great insight into the life of the last good emperor Marcus Aurelius. This is followed by all his wisdom laid out in the main body of the text. To think a man 2000 years ago could have such an accurate interpretation of our world even today is beyond inprtessive. Guaranteed to have something for everyone in Meditations.

As someone who has dabbled in ancient texts and philosophy, I've always found it challenging to connect with some translations due to the language (I'm not a native English speaker). This is where Gregory Hays's translation truly shines. Halfway through the book, I'm completely captivated by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, all thanks to Hays's lucid and easy-to-read translation. Something that stood out for me was the introduction. While it's tempting to skip it on most books, I'd strongly recommend you not to skip this section. Hays does a remarkable job of setting the stage, providing historical context, and offering insights that enrich the experience as a whole!

I enjoyed reading his perspective on things. I realise his writings have had a significant impact on people's lives and their direction, I think had I read it when I was younger it may have had that type of influence, but not so much now. It was still worth the read though especially given how long ago it was written and that it is still relevant.

This is a great translation for those who wish to study the ideas of Marcus Aurelius, without struggling with the language. I do enjoy referring to both this copy and another translation that I own, purely to see two different ideas on the same text.

This is probably the best translation. Moreover, with it's introduction to the ideas and to the life of Marcus, it is probably the best version of Meditations there is.

A classic for a reason, brilliant entry into stoicism