Meditations
The Meditations of the great Roman Philosopher-Emperor Marcus Aurelius are simple yet
profound works of stoic philosophy that continue to offer guidance and consolation to many
with their eloquence, wisdom and humility.
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we
see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution.
They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and
destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals
and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization, and helped make us who we are.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was born to an upper-class Roman family in
A.D. 121 and was later adopted by the future emperor Antoninus Pius, whom he succeeded in
161. His reign was marked by a successful campaign against Parthia, but was overshadowed
in later years by plague, an abortive revolt in the eastern provinces, and the deaths of
friends and family, including his co-emperor Lucius Verus.
A student of philosophy from his earliest youth, he was especially influenced by the
first-century Stoic thinker Epictetus. His later reputation rests on his Meditations,
written during his later years and never meant for formal publication. He died in 180,
while campaigning against the barbarian tribes on Rome's northern frontier.
164 pages, Paperback