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Marcus Aurelius - Meditations: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,053 ratings

Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy.

Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement.

These books have been carefully adapted into modern English form to allow for easy listening.

Enjoy!

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Product details

Listening Length 4 hours and 38 minutes
Author Marcus Aurelius, James Harris
Narrator Gregory Allen Siders
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date November 24, 2016
Publisher James Harris
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B01N67A2Q0
Best Sellers Rank #3,292 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#52 in Philosophy (Audible Books & Originals)
#82 in Social Sciences (Audible Books & Originals)
#184 in Philosophy (Books)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,053 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and relevant today. It puts life in an interesting perspective, with clear timelines thoughts of moral living. However, opinions differ on readability - some find it reader-friendly and great content, while others find it difficult to read with weird spacing and text issues.

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27 customers mention "Insight"21 positive6 negative

Customers find the book insightful and relevant today. They say it puts life in an interesting perspective, is stimulating to read, and provides clear timelines thoughts of moral living and our place in time. Readers engage with Stoic philosophy in a way that feels relevant. The book is like having a wise mentor at their fingertips, offering profound insights and great advice.

"...This philosophy book is like having a wise mentor at your fingertips, offering profound insights that really make you stop and think...." Read more

"...Readers often find that this version allows them to engage with Stoic philosophy in a way that feels relevant and immediately applicable to their..." Read more

"Easy read. Puts life in an interesting perspective" Read more

"Content does not contain information most people don't already know. Weak." Read more

75 customers mention "Readability"52 positive23 negative

Customers have mixed reviews about the book's readability. Some find it easy to read and engaging, with simple and straightforward language. Others mention issues like choppy writing, typos, poor translation, and garish print.

"...mentor at your fingertips, offering profound insights that really make you stop and think...." Read more

"...The modernized language and practical examples help me bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and contemporary concerns...." Read more

"Content does not contain information most people don't already know. Weak." Read more

"Poems form a visionary" Read more

Language that was resonating with me more…
5 out of 5 stars
Language that was resonating with me more…
While the original "Meditations" was written in a dense and sometimes archaic style, Harris's version aims to translate Aurelius's thoughts into language that was resonating with me more.Harris updates the language of Aurelius's reflections, replacing antiquated terms and structures with contemporary phrasing. This made the text easier to read as the original translation was challenging for me.The adaptation focuses on clarity, ensuring that Aurelius's ideas are not only preserved but also clearly communicated. I think this is especially helpful for readers new to Stoicism or philosophy in general.Harris frames Aurelius's wisdom within the context of modern life, connecting ancient Stoic principles to contemporary challenges such as stress, uncertainty, and the pursuit of happiness. This makes the teachings of "Meditations" more applicable to the day-to-day lives of readers.The adaptation tends to be more concise than the original, with Harris sometimes summarizing or paraphrasing longer passages to maintain the flow and accessibility of the text.I generally appreciate the adaptation for making "Meditations" more approachable without losing the essence of Aurelius's thoughts. The modernized language and practical examples help me bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and contemporary concerns.Readers often find that this version allows them to engage with Stoic philosophy in a way that feels relevant and immediately applicable to their own lives.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
    I recently picked up Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, and it has truly been a game-changer for me. This philosophy book is like having a wise mentor at your fingertips, offering profound insights that really make you stop and think. Each page serves up a feast of ideas that challenge your perspective on life, encouraging you to embrace resilience and mindfulness.

    Aurelius’s thoughts on acceptance and personal responsibility have helped me shift my viewpoint dramatically. He provides practical wisdom that teaches you how to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. I’ve discovered valuable tricks for cultivating happiness on my own terms, such as focusing on what I can control and letting go of what I can’t.

    This book isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s a guide for living a more fulfilled life. If you’re seeking food for thought that inspires reflection and growth, I can’t recommend it enough. Dive in, and you might just find a new way to approach the world! 📚✨
    26 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2024
    While the original "Meditations" was written in a dense and sometimes archaic style, Harris's version aims to translate Aurelius's thoughts into language that was resonating with me more.
    Harris updates the language of Aurelius's reflections, replacing antiquated terms and structures with contemporary phrasing. This made the text easier to read as the original translation was challenging for me.
    The adaptation focuses on clarity, ensuring that Aurelius's ideas are not only preserved but also clearly communicated. I think this is especially helpful for readers new to Stoicism or philosophy in general.
    Harris frames Aurelius's wisdom within the context of modern life, connecting ancient Stoic principles to contemporary challenges such as stress, uncertainty, and the pursuit of happiness. This makes the teachings of "Meditations" more applicable to the day-to-day lives of readers.
    The adaptation tends to be more concise than the original, with Harris sometimes summarizing or paraphrasing longer passages to maintain the flow and accessibility of the text.
    I generally appreciate the adaptation for making "Meditations" more approachable without losing the essence of Aurelius's thoughts. The modernized language and practical examples help me bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and contemporary concerns.
    Readers often find that this version allows them to engage with Stoic philosophy in a way that feels relevant and immediately applicable to their own lives.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Language that was resonating with me more…
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2024
    While the original "Meditations" was written in a dense and sometimes archaic style, Harris's version aims to translate Aurelius's thoughts into language that was resonating with me more.
    Harris updates the language of Aurelius's reflections, replacing antiquated terms and structures with contemporary phrasing. This made the text easier to read as the original translation was challenging for me.
    The adaptation focuses on clarity, ensuring that Aurelius's ideas are not only preserved but also clearly communicated. I think this is especially helpful for readers new to Stoicism or philosophy in general.
    Harris frames Aurelius's wisdom within the context of modern life, connecting ancient Stoic principles to contemporary challenges such as stress, uncertainty, and the pursuit of happiness. This makes the teachings of "Meditations" more applicable to the day-to-day lives of readers.
    The adaptation tends to be more concise than the original, with Harris sometimes summarizing or paraphrasing longer passages to maintain the flow and accessibility of the text.
    I generally appreciate the adaptation for making "Meditations" more approachable without losing the essence of Aurelius's thoughts. The modernized language and practical examples help me bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and contemporary concerns.
    Readers often find that this version allows them to engage with Stoic philosophy in a way that feels relevant and immediately applicable to their own lives.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    47 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024
    Poems form a visionary
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    Thoughtful words
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024
    Makes for a great gift. A must have in anyone’s personal library.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024
    I bought this as a gift.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
    I've always been interested in Roman history. And one of the wonders of books, is that you can pick one up and read the thoughts of someone who lived 2000 years ago.

    I do not think I need to add to the many comments here praising the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius. I do want to say that it's great to have his ideas presented in a more "accessible" way for modern readers.

    I have a copy of "The Great Books" circa 1950 of "Meditations". And while purists may feel that having it EXACTLY in the way it was written, they also need to realize that "getting the thought across" needs to evolve. And that can be done without destroying the original thought.

    I'm a pretty well-read person. But reading the "classic" translations of this (and other) authors can be daunting. In the case of my "classic" copy of Meditations, I increasing found all those "thee's" and "thou's" and "wheretofore's " off-putting. I greatly appreciate the work of James Harris in modifying this archaic usage. It makes it much easier for people today to understand.

    And for "Latin purists" out there---even in Marcus's time, his manner of speech and writing was considered "high-flown" and getting a bit long in the tooth. The Latin of the 2nd century was already changing, and in the next two centuries would change even more. (That's how French, Spanish, and Italian became the languages that they are today).

    The book is nicely bound with a heavy black cover. I also liked that it was well-wrapped and shipped in a box, instead of just some padded shipping envelope.
    89 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    Content does not contain information most people don't already know. Weak.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Meditations
    Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2024
    What can you say about an already wonderful classic. Great read
  • Mikelleher
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good perspective from the Emperor.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2024
    This is wisdom that is good for practising living a good life. Being the private thoughts of the Emperor this book gives a perspective that is different from other philosophers of the time.

    I recommend this as it is solid, natural and a good way to give yourself some foundations for being a good human, living a good life.
  • Antonio Villavicencio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lo recomiendo
    Reviewed in Mexico on April 16, 2017
    Excelente libro!! De los mejores que he leído en mi vida y la traducción me parece adecuada, no es tan difícil de seguir como las traducciones en inglés antiguo de las versiones gratuitas
  • Excellent
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Australia on March 10, 2024
    Fast delivery
  • Ton Van Haeren
    5.0 out of 5 stars Looking forward to read it
    Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2024
    Thank you!!