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Meditations: Penguin Classics Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Marcus Aurelius (Author), Diskin Clay (Author), Martin Hammond (Author),
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 10,306 ratings
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Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Richard Armitage, star of Peter Jackson'sThe Hobbit trilogy and also known for his roles in Ocean's 8 and Spooks. This definitive recording is translated with notes by Martin Hammond and an introduction by Diskin Clay. Originally written only for his personal consumption, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations has become a key text in the understanding of Roman Stoic philosophy.

Written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius's own emotions. But while the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers for almost two thousand years.

Martin Hammond's new translation fully expresses the intimacy and eloquence of the original work, with detailed notes elucidating the text. This edition also includes an introduction by Diskin Clay, exploring the nature and development of the Meditations. Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus (121-80) was adopted by the emperor Antoninus Pius and succeeded him in 161, (as joint emperor with adoptive brother Lucius Verus). He ruled alone from 169, and spent much of his reign in putting down various rebellions, and was a persecutor of Christians. His fame rest, above all, on his Meditations, a series of reflections, strongly influenced by Epictetus, which represent a Stoic outlook on life. He was succeeded by his natural son, thus ending the period of the adoptive emperors.

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  1. Listening Length
    6 hours and 18 minutes
  2. Author
    Marcus Aurelius, see all
  3. Narrator
    Richard Armitage
  4. Audible release date
    September 26, 2019
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Penguin Audio
  7. ASIN
    B07VMBBSFP
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 6 hours and 18 minutes
Author Marcus Aurelius, Diskin Clay, Martin Hammond
Narrator Richard Armitage
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 26, 2019
Publisher Penguin Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07VMBBSFP
Best Sellers Rank #2,775 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#6 in Greek & Roman Philosophy (Audible Books & Originals)
#9 in Ethics & Morality Philosophy
#21 in Ancient Greek & Roman Philosophy

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
10,306 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They appreciate the insightful and practical philosophy presented in a straightforward way. Readers describe it as a reasonable alternative, worth checking out if interested in Stoicism. The introduction is helpful and the concepts are simple to apply to everyday life. Many find the historical perspective applicable to today's life. The authenticity, realistic, and honest translation of the original work is appreciated.

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ReadabilityInsightValue for moneyEase of understandingHistorical accuracyAuthenticityEmperorRepetition
734 customers mention "Readability"519 positive215 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They appreciate its eloquence and detailed notes. The words of Marcus Aurelius are rendered intelligibly and with dignity. Readers mention it's worth comparing both translations, which are free on Kindle.

"...His analysis was excellent though, very brilliant! Reading such an excellent body of work compelled me to pose a couple of questions to myself...." Read more

"...likely weren’t meant for any eyes but his own, they function well for an audience all the same...." Read more

"...Hopefully we see the Haynes version too, Really nice work!" Read more

"...not for entertainment, not for adventure, and it is definitely not a “light read.”..." Read more

387 customers mention "Insight"380 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights. They find it insightful, kind, and forgiving. The book provides practical philosophy and wisdom from a stoic. It draws readers closer to their own spirit and purpose. Readers say it helps them to broaden their minds and views.

"...going in serious depth and detail about them all with such a gentle, pleasant, and appropriate empathy that it became impossible to remain upset..." Read more

"...It can be applied immediately and will draw you closer to your own spirit, to your own purpose...." Read more

"...2000 years ago, we have his own (translated) words, a penetrating, insightful, recorded litany of what drove the man and who he strove to be...." Read more

"...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...." Read more

93 customers mention "Value for money"72 positive21 negative

Customers find the book reasonably priced and worth reading. They appreciate the time period in which it was written and can sense the author's intent.

"...Better still, one can immediately perceive and appreciate the times in which the work was written...." Read more

"...this book for 9 years and I can confidently say that it is a great investment for anyone looking to elevate their mind and soul...." Read more

"...One recurring theme is the brevity of life and value of time...." Read more

"...Simply put, it's not worth the money. My recommendation? Look for another edition." Read more

46 customers mention "Ease of understanding"39 positive7 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand. They appreciate the simple and straightforward approach to life presented in a clear way. The introduction is helpful and the translation is accurate. Readers say the ideas are easily translated into today's working world.

"...It can be applied immediately and will draw you closer to your own spirit, to your own purpose...." Read more

"Perhaps the best self-help book ever written." Read more

"...Additionally, the book is written in an easy-to-understand and relatable way, making it accessible to anyone who is interested in philosophy...." Read more

"...It is easier to understand each passage in the Hays, but very few leave me impressed at their eloquence or leave a lasting impression. "..." Read more

35 customers mention "Historical accuracy"32 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book. They find it educational, timeless, and applicable to today's life. The book contains accurate quotations from centuries past, a chronology, further reading suggestions, and full indexes. Readers also mention that it's one of the great ancient texts with a refined legacy.

"...an emperor, a real ruler of a culturally enriched nation with a refined legacy, yet this man never mentions his own wealth, not once!..." Read more

"...The main strength is its timelessness. The ideas and reflections presented are still relevant today and I can apply them to my own life...." Read more

"...are rendered intelligibly and with a dignity and awareness of the historical context...." Read more

"...The book is separated into mini-books, chapters and verses. A lot of the book is very pedantic...." Read more

11 customers mention "Authenticity"8 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find the wisdom timeless, realistic, and true to the original work. The translation is honest and faithful to the original text. Overall, readers describe it as an interesting adaptation of a classic work.

"...It lacks rhetorical flourish but it's honest...." Read more

"Loved the book just because it's not fairy tale stuff, it's raw and real" Read more

"...The language of "Meditations" is not modern; the construct is not storytelling...." Read more

"...he was identified as a follower prove to be timeless wisdom and realistic." Read more

11 customers mention "Emperor"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the emperor's writings insightful and personable. They describe him as one of the greatest men in history, with brilliant philosophy and honorable character. The book explores themes like life, death, honor, and rationality from the emperor' perspective.

"...very just and thoughtful, as well as an effective, fair and good-natured statesman...." Read more

"...honesty rare for a military leader, let alone one of the best Roman Emperors in history. He was a spiritual man, and tried to rationalize his duties...." Read more

"...This is from about 100 BC and Aurelius was one of the respectable emperors...." Read more

"...Life, death, honour, rationality are all explored and one cannot help but thinking that Marcus was noble and wise emperor." Read more

30 customers mention "Repetition"8 positive22 negative

Customers find the book repetitive and boring. They mention the chapters are short, the introduction is longer than it should be, and the book rambles on and on without much valuable information or recommendations. The book is shorter than expected and has sections that are repeated.

"First, this book is NOT 300 pages like the description says. It is only 120. But the reading is awesome and still relevant today." Read more

"...It's a hard read and boring as can be expected from a 2000 year old philosophy book...." Read more

"...Whereas brilliance, truth, wonderful humor and wit, clarity and easily digestible wisdom seems to pour freely and from the soul in Seneca's writings..." Read more

"Easy to read but verbose and repetitive. Some typos but tolerable. I suggest sticking to the first couple of chapters and glance thru the later ones...." Read more

Please read this book!
5 out of 5 stars
Please read this book!
This book completely changed the way I view my life! It really helped me through some rough stuff and I suggest that everyone, no matter who you are or what you’ve been through, read this book!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • marcus chatman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read !!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I was researching an historical author online and Marcus Aurelius's name came up as one of his inspirations and I decided to take a closer look at him also. "A king that shares my own first name, I have to see what this is about" I thought to myself. So I found "Meditations" and marked it to be read. Now I have to make this clear immediately, I hated this book! Let me clarify before you jump to conclusions, die hard fans of "Meditations". What I mean is that I hate that I love this book so much! Now there are things in life that people love to hate. There are things in life that are so outrageously obnoxious that you have to tune in just to see what happens next. This is a book that I hate to love and that's a first for me. This book will forever harbor a special place in my heart, and even if I'm out and I'm not in possession of a physical copy literally, it's divine principles and virtuous insight will reside in my heart figuratively. Now here is where I elaborate on what I mean by I hate (to love) this book. The fact that it took me three days to read this book when it would've taken three hours had it been any other book, on account of the fact that I found myself constantly pausing to meditate while pondering what I was in reading in a book that just happens to be entitled "Meditations" was just downright eerie to me! When I begin to delve into these very deep issues and encounter his profound insight in regards to them, it became impossible to simply breeze through them as anticipated. Now if it wasn't already eerie enough that my name is Marcus and I'm reading the diary of a man; a king whose name just happens to be Marcus also, and not only are these his inner most personal thoughts, that may have quite possibly been intended to be a private note to himself, but there were also certain parts that totally felt like fate as I came across them. It literally felt like certain things were specifically laid out for me...a very eerie feeling to say the least.

    This book is outrageously good! There are absolutely NO DULL MOMENTS in this book! It really felt like Marcus was pressed for time and didn't have a moment to spare, and he was absolutely determined to diligently contain these wonderful conceptions and document them before they were lost forever. He did an excellent job, and I found every bit of what I read to be excellent and extremely helpful. I must admit that certain parts were so good that it angered me a little. "How could this guy be so great"! I thought to myself. It was like someone vehemently addressing the issues that we all face at some point in life, and extracting them individually one by one and presenting them to me to be examined. It was literally like he took life's pain: love, the loss thereof, jealousy, envy, betrayal and death, and intentionally put pressure on all those wounds, but only for the purposes of assessment though. Then afterwards going to work on them, going in serious depth and detail about them all with such a gentle, pleasant, and appropriate empathy that it became impossible to remain upset about it. It was refreshing to know that someone cared enough to actually give an analysis about these things. The issues he explored, the conclusions drawn, really hit me as hard as a punch directly to the heart. It didn't feel like an attack though, more like CPR. Even though CPR hurts it's vital and for the better in the end. Now mind you "Meditations" is this man's note to himself, so he unintentionally affected me. I can't be mad at him for that. It was like having a heart to heart with someone who has the courage and is considerate enough to offer you an alternative in regards to any character flaws you may have, and ultimately challenges you to be better. As irritating as that can be, it hurts so good because you know it's coming from a place of love and that that person genuinely wishes the best for you, and is not patronizing you or being condescending in any way. If a woman were to have expressed this kind of genuine concern for me in regards to the interactions we shared with each other, I would fall madly in love with her instantly afterwards. If any couple were to express this kind of openness and genuine concern for one another I bet they would never part. The fact that is fashioned as if it were a diary only adds to the purity and importance of it, making it a sacred experience for me. I truly don't believe that a man who was this knowledgeable and articulate, and diligent in his outlook on life would lie to himself. There is nothing watered down, fake, or half true at all here!

    Marcus actually proceeded to address not only life but death also in the same body of work. The nerve of this dude! Death is usually an issue a person would either prefer to hurt about with no interference, or to just be left alone about it and be enabled to move on and forget about it. Marcus Aurelius, having loss both his parents at a young age, and then his wife also, that must have instilled a sense of entitlement in him by then I suppose. His analysis was excellent though, very brilliant! Reading such an excellent body of work compelled me to pose a couple of questions to myself. Will a person like myself ever be able to live up to these excellent standards? will I ever be able to attain this type of greatness? Marcus's ability to examine human nature is absolutely astounding! When everyone around you is angry, no matter where you reside, or what the circumstances maybe; you so desperately want to be angry also, naturally, but Marcus Aurelius is a man, a king, who stresses the importance of patience and temperance. Not only does he stress it, he also insist that patience and temperance are both collectively the ultimate symbol of strength, and only the strong survive where I come from.

    The concept of individuality has pretty much vanished in these modern times. The insistence of taking moral inventory of one's self, being self-reliant, self-sufficient, and exercising self-control was highly emphasized throughout the entire book. Nobody is asking anybody to be perfect, we all have our flaws, and many of the things in this world are what they are and the reasonable response is to adapt and behave accordingly but "See how the life of a good man suits you, the life of him who is satisfied with his portion of the whole, and is satisfied with his own just acts and benevolent disposition". "Does another do me wrong? Let him look to it. He has his own disposition and his own activity. I now have what universal nature wills me to have, and I now do what universal nature wills me to do", this is sheer brilliance. Here you have an emperor, a real ruler of a culturally enriched nation with a refined legacy, yet this man never mentions his own wealth, not once! His only concern is his very essence and his genuine empathy for mankind. I find that to be very distinctive and honorable to say the least. This man really poured his heart and soul into this work and I greatly appreciate it. I recommend this book honestly to every man. I think every man should read this book at least once. I also recommend this book to anybody who has suffered some kind of loss, such as the death of a close family member or friend. I think this book would be very helpful to anyone who has experienced such a thing. I also recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a deeper level of understanding in regards to human nature, whether it be for the purposes of excelling in business or it be of a personal nature. Whatever the case may be, this man's insight will definitely assist you in filling any void you may have in your soul.
    146 people found this helpful
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  • James Walker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Direct Life Wisdom
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I find it difficult to consider a work more complete. Marcus Aurelius from on high saw all that was within, without, below, and around, regarding that which is important in life. He knew where to place his attentions and though these writings likely weren’t meant for any eyes but his own, they function well for an audience all the same. There is nothing I’ve yet encountered in life which has offered a more direct wisdom. It can be applied immediately and will draw you closer to your own spirit, to your own purpose.

    Be mindful that the English in this version is likely from the 1700s. It’s *very* old, with many archaic terms and strange sentence structure. I did adapt to it over time but you can probably see that it has affected the English of this current review. That said, I’m now going to read a direct Modern English translation to see how much more readily the information therein can and will be absorbed.

    All that stated, I’m a better human being for having read this and will thus always hold it close.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amazonian
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful work!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first edited version of George Long I have seen. Hopefully we see the Haynes version too, Really nice work!
    One person found this helpful
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  • DouginNC
    4.0 out of 5 stars What WERE you thinking?
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    "What WERE you thinking?" Such an inquiry arises daily ... usually as rhetoric ... rarely answered. Fascinatingly, in this compilation of "Meditations," the question is answered by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. From nearly 2000 years ago, we have his own (translated) words, a penetrating, insightful, recorded litany of what drove the man and who he strove to be.

    While ruling the great empire and fighting the northern hordes, Marcus captured his unequivocal ruminations. For this is not a history of battles, or Rome. It is, per the introduction, "... the innermost thoughts of his heart, set down to ease it, with such moral maxims and reflections as may help him to bear the burden of duty ...".

    It's the second century! Yet we have this (direct) personal record of one born in A.D. 121, emperor in 161, dead in 180. This is on par with getting the history of the Second World War in Churchill's books. (link) But M.A. delivers at-the-moment pondering while W.C. writes in review of actual events (which he could then bias in his favor).

    The language of "Meditations" is not modern; the construct is not storytelling. Starting with "His First Book, concerning Himself," the chapters number twelve, and within each are brief thoughts that range from a few words to two pages before another idea is captured. Beyond the first, none of the chapters sticks with a single topic. The format is very much "Dear Diary, here is what engrossed my mind today."

    He writes the thoughts that guide his life, starting that First Book with what he assimilated from members of his family and those closest to him: "Whensoever thou wilt rejoice thyself, think and meditate upon those good parts and especial gifts, which thou hast observed in any of them ...".

    The perspective of "Meditations" is strictly Stoicism, trained as he was from childhood in that philosophy. Thus he holds in highest regard the natural world and the social order, saying both "all things ... come to pass according to the nature and general condition of the universe" (Eighth Book) and "Society therefore is the proper good of a rational creature" (Fifth Book). He aspires to continually build self-reliance, and he tests his thinking against the teachings of Plato, Socrates, Diogenes, or the Epicureans.

    Female readers rejoice! This ancient thinker posits his own brain as a feminine member saying, "... as for my mind, all things which are not within the verge of her own operation, are indifferent unto her" (Sixth Book). And, "...in those things that properly belong unto the mind, she cannot be hindered by any man." (Eighth Book)

    The introduction and first chapter are necessary sections to become acclimated to the climate of this writing and the person. The second and third books are brief. The fourth and sixth were found to have the greatest number of interesting insights. The seventh book shone with philosophical nuggets. The eighth contained many prescient thoughts on living a good life. Book ten trends toward thoughts regarding death.

    Each chapter has dissertation the reader might wish to adopt for themselves or put forward toward others. Each has gems as pertinent for a modern time as they were for the ancient time. An item from "Meditations" was used in a contemporary book that I was reading simultaneously, The Russian Galatea.

    While quotable in many cases, do not expect poetry from the man who writes, "Affect not to set out thy thoughts with curious neat language." (Third Book) I list a large number of passages at the end of this book report.

    The time setting is after Christ, but Christian thought is not paramount. Christians were a meddlesome lot for the emperor, trying to change the natural order with their views. Roman life was guided by many "Gods," manifestations of the natural universe which was the supreme God for Marcus Aurelius.

    Christian ideals overlapped with these, the introduction claiming many of Marcus' "thoughts sound like far-off echoes of St. Paul." The contrast between "Meditations" and many books of the Bible, I would say, is that the latter would tend to prescribe "how to live" while the former is more "how to think" about one's life.

    The man and the work are an open book, which to him is a worthy goal for all: "... pierce and penetrate ... every one's understanding as also to make the estate of thine own open, and penetrable to any other. (Eighth Book)

    A careful review finds inconsistencies. While praising his teacher for providing the example of "whatsoever he did, that he did it with a good intent," (First Book) Marcus is later dismissive of 'passion' (intent): "... neither doth the true good or evil of a reasonable charitable man consist in passion, but in operation and action." (Ninth Book)

    Get your 'M.A.' degree by reading "Meditations" from M. Aurelius.
    10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Black
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must, for the journey of a stoic, or the casual reader.
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The annotations of Marcus Aurelius himself...

    If you don't have any regards to the moral question of reading the private journal of a man who lived roughly two millenia ago (like other millions of people), than this is most definitely a great read.

    But don't worry, just like how grave robbing isn't immoral if the grave is older than 100 years old (the current official consensus in the US, provided that some legal requirements are met), reading someone's private journal from millenia ago certainly isn't, specially due to the fact that this wasn't any man... He was Marcus Aurelius, I'm not going to go over details, it's not like I need to, specially since you are reading reviews for this book, that is, if you are indeed still reading this, if you are... Thank you.

    Anyway, to the actual review:

    A short "book", good casual read, or else, a book you can go through in mere days (or hours, depending on your time/dedication/read speed).

    With that said, I do recommend that you instead, read just a little bit of it a day, and don't rush it. Take your time, digest it well, appreciate the book.

    These are the words, the... Meditations, of the wisest emperor of the mighty Roman Empire.
    His name, reverenced and respected to this day as the benign, wise ruler, an example, a legacy of the stoic philosophy.
    Now that I'm done praising him and stating things you already knew, proceeding to the review (don't you eye-roll on me, keep reading).

    The book, wasn't written as a concise piece. Again. They are annotations that Marcus Aurelius made through his meditations, so don't expect it to have a progressive continuous feel to it, another reason for you not to read it all at once or in big chunks.
    Take your time, enjoy the book, read it piece by piece, day by day, digest it well, ponder upon what you've read and learn.

    Mark the parts you felt were important so you can revisit it, this is the kind of book you'll find yourself consulting again in trying times, or times when you just need a good reread or some wisdom of the wise thinkers of old. (I swear I'll stop using the word wise, it's almost over).

    I highly suggest... No, I demand that you also read Seneca's letters from a stoic.
    It's a book that's more consistent, since it is... well... the letters written by a stoic (Seneca) (to his friend, dear Lucillius), it can also (must) be read in small, digestible portions, letter by letter, go read my review on it, it's more objective and better than thisnone, I promise.

    Live a good life, have a great day.
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  • Am
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life changer
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on March 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Awesome
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  • LR
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good edition!
    Reviewed in Spain on February 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A good edition at a great price!
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    LR
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good edition!
    Reviewed in Spain on February 24, 2024
    A good edition at a great price!
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  • Bakul.Joshi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in India on July 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Truly enjoyed reading. This is one book I may like to read again. Also like to comparative study of this book and Bhagvad Gita. Because lots of teachings which I got from Bhagvad Gita, I found them in this book. Some of the quotes were bit contextual and hence could not comprehend. When I read again, I guess I will be able to understand them better. Worth keeping this as a reference book at home.
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  • baznoz
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very good edition
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I am reviewing the paperback edition (2011) of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations in the Oxford World's Classics edition, translated by Robin Hard with an introduction by Christopher Gill. I do not understand the one-star reviews that appear to have become attched to this edition of the Meditations. Those reviews and the images associated with a few of them must be referring to a completely different edition, and not the one I have in front of me that I reently purchased via Amazon.

    The Oxford World 's Classics edition (2011) is about as close to a perfect edition as you can get as a general reader. The translation is modern and fluent. There are no gobbledygook mistranslations as mentioned in some of the reviews. Robin Hard's translation of the Meditations is based on the the recent text by J. Dalfen (Leipzig, 2nd edn.,1987) while following the earlier translation by A S L Farquharson (Oxford, 1944) here and there. It reads consistently well, with no inappropriate modern slang or grammatical errors. It is a solid and clear text. The 18-page introduction by Christopher Gill is excellent in my view, particularly where it focuses on the form, purpose and style of the book, Marcus's philosophy, and the book's core ideas and recurrent themes. The selection of letters between Marcus and Fronto is also judicious and useful in fleshing out other aspects of Marcus Aurelius's character and thought. The 30-pages of explanatory notes and the index at the end of the book are also very helpful.

    So, all in all, I am entitely satisfied with this edition. I was simnply amazed to see the negative reviews, and felt prompted to provide this review to put the record straight as far as this specific edtion goes. As I said earier, those negative reviews must be referring to other editions of the Meditations and not to this specific one. This paperback edition Is 176 pages of clear, erudite and thoughtful work. if you want an edition that gives you just what you need to start reading and appreciating Marcus Aurelius's Meditations then this one - the 2011 Oxford Wolrd's Classics by Robin Hard and Christoper Gill - would be a very good place to start. And at the price I paid (£5.76), I am very pleased with it.
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