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Mark Porton's Reviews > Meditations
Meditations
by
by
Mark Porton's review
bookshelves: 5-stars, ancient-rome, educational, history, philosophy, self-help
Oct 24, 2022
bookshelves: 5-stars, ancient-rome, educational, history, philosophy, self-help
Marcus Aurelius (121 � 180 CE) was the last in line of the five good Emperors (Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus).
Fun Fact 1: funny thing is, they were all adopted by their predecessor. The next Emperor after Marcus was Commodus, he was a son of Marcus and was a complete Muppet, nasty too � hence the start of a period of volatility after his death. An argument against hereditary ascension to a throne to be sure. This is not the only instance of hereditary ascension being a complete disaster in the Roman Empire.
Marcus Aurelius � didn’t he look curious?
Now Marcus was not only the guy in charge of the Roman Empire he was a Stoic Philosopher. I am a tad conflicted about an Emperor being a Stoic. In my mind a Stoic, is calm, happy with his or her lot, does not want for much, but on the other hand an Emperor is grab, grab, grab and kill, kill, kill. When he wrote this � he was on the frontline of the war with the Germanic Tribes in 170-180 CE. So that does not lie straight with me � however, he did not live lavishly.....apparently. But to be fair, he was part of a machine, and in charge of it � he could very well have been (and I believe it to be so) a decent, intelligent man.
Either way Meditations is a piece of work that endures to this day. Imagine that it still holds up. Meditations was first printed in 1559 CE; Marcus originally wrote this work in Greek � the language of the intelligentsia of the time. It is also believed; these writings were not intended to be published. He wrote these for himself. Yes, just he � and we have been gorking at these writings for centuries � academics and lay people alike � it is respected, it has stood up.
Don’t you think that is amazing?
You cannot finish a book like this � it needs to be kept on one’s bedside table, to be referred to every now and then, maybe scribble your own notes (while listening to Enya) and reflect. This is what I do with my favourite Stoic work by one of my heroes � Seneca � his work On the Shortness of Life is my favourite. My review of this classic can be found here /book/show/9.... So, Seneca’s and Marcus� books are in my Man Bag. Stick them in yours too!!!!! Or handbag of you are a lady 😊
Fun Fact 2: Seneca tutored young Nero, yeah yeah - he stuffed up there, but let's be stoic about this and lay it to one side.
Now the edition of Meditations I have in my possession, and totally recommend, is the Penguin Classics edition, translated with notes by Martin Hammond. The notes take up half of this publication and explain each of Marcus� meditations. Yes, each one. What was happening, where he was and what he may have been thinking. Here is an example:
Book 6 (there are 10 � they are like chapters)
All that exists will soon change. Either it will be turned into vapour, if all matter is a unity, or it will be scattered in atoms.
Note 6.4 � ‘Turned into vapour� reflects the Stoic conflagration of the universe (see notes 2.14.2 and 5.13). ‘Scattered into atoms� is the Epicurean view
Now, with this type of format � you (if you read it) will be flipping back and forth, checking this and that, googling, researching getting bogged down and learning heaps. Or one can just read it and think.
There is so much here, written by a true GIANT of antiquity. I loved it and I love Marcus and Seneca.
5 Stars
Fun Fact 1: funny thing is, they were all adopted by their predecessor. The next Emperor after Marcus was Commodus, he was a son of Marcus and was a complete Muppet, nasty too � hence the start of a period of volatility after his death. An argument against hereditary ascension to a throne to be sure. This is not the only instance of hereditary ascension being a complete disaster in the Roman Empire.
Marcus Aurelius � didn’t he look curious?
Now Marcus was not only the guy in charge of the Roman Empire he was a Stoic Philosopher. I am a tad conflicted about an Emperor being a Stoic. In my mind a Stoic, is calm, happy with his or her lot, does not want for much, but on the other hand an Emperor is grab, grab, grab and kill, kill, kill. When he wrote this � he was on the frontline of the war with the Germanic Tribes in 170-180 CE. So that does not lie straight with me � however, he did not live lavishly.....apparently. But to be fair, he was part of a machine, and in charge of it � he could very well have been (and I believe it to be so) a decent, intelligent man.
Either way Meditations is a piece of work that endures to this day. Imagine that it still holds up. Meditations was first printed in 1559 CE; Marcus originally wrote this work in Greek � the language of the intelligentsia of the time. It is also believed; these writings were not intended to be published. He wrote these for himself. Yes, just he � and we have been gorking at these writings for centuries � academics and lay people alike � it is respected, it has stood up.
Don’t you think that is amazing?
You cannot finish a book like this � it needs to be kept on one’s bedside table, to be referred to every now and then, maybe scribble your own notes (while listening to Enya) and reflect. This is what I do with my favourite Stoic work by one of my heroes � Seneca � his work On the Shortness of Life is my favourite. My review of this classic can be found here /book/show/9.... So, Seneca’s and Marcus� books are in my Man Bag. Stick them in yours too!!!!! Or handbag of you are a lady 😊
Fun Fact 2: Seneca tutored young Nero, yeah yeah - he stuffed up there, but let's be stoic about this and lay it to one side.
Now the edition of Meditations I have in my possession, and totally recommend, is the Penguin Classics edition, translated with notes by Martin Hammond. The notes take up half of this publication and explain each of Marcus� meditations. Yes, each one. What was happening, where he was and what he may have been thinking. Here is an example:
Book 6 (there are 10 � they are like chapters)
All that exists will soon change. Either it will be turned into vapour, if all matter is a unity, or it will be scattered in atoms.
Note 6.4 � ‘Turned into vapour� reflects the Stoic conflagration of the universe (see notes 2.14.2 and 5.13). ‘Scattered into atoms� is the Epicurean view
Now, with this type of format � you (if you read it) will be flipping back and forth, checking this and that, googling, researching getting bogged down and learning heaps. Or one can just read it and think.
There is so much here, written by a true GIANT of antiquity. I loved it and I love Marcus and Seneca.
5 Stars
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Reading Progress
November 19, 2020
– Shelved as:
to-read
November 19, 2020
– Shelved
July 10, 2022
–
Started Reading
July 13, 2022
–
10.0%
"My words, imagine finding the time (and energy) to navel gaze and write such a book, that endures to this day - while fighting the tribes of Germania. A legend. His son was a tosser though."
July 14, 2022
–
15.0%
July 19, 2022
–
20.0%
"This has to be a slow read, and cant be read like a novel. Maybe one or two mediations a night - then read and understand the notes - needs to be savoured and worth a bit of effort."
July 20, 2022
–
22.0%
"Book 3 has some wonderful themes of what it means to be a good person (well he says 'man')
....to be pure, at peace, ready to depart, I unforced harmony with his fate
"We must have a sense of urgency, not only for the ever closer approach of death, but because our comprehension of the world and our ability to pay proper attention will fade before we do."
......I love that"
....to be pure, at peace, ready to depart, I unforced harmony with his fate
"We must have a sense of urgency, not only for the ever closer approach of death, but because our comprehension of the world and our ability to pay proper attention will fade before we do."
......I love that"
August 28, 2022
–
30.0%
September 13, 2022
–
40.0%
"I'm still amazed Marcus Aurelius wrote this while he was on the battle front against the Germanic tribes - he truly had an amazing mind."
September 18, 2022
–
60.0%
"Thought I'd get cracking on tis one, as I need to get back to Gibbon (Vol III)"
September 28, 2022
–
75.0%
October 9, 2022
–
85.0%
October 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
5-stars
October 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
ancient-rome
October 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
educational
October 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
history
October 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
philosophy
October 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
self-help
October 25, 2022
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 54 (54 new)
message 1:
by
Meghhnaa
(new)
Sep 06, 2022 05:03PM
Do update, how it worked out for you?
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Meghna wrote: "Do update, how it worked out for you?"Hi Meghna - thanks for asking, well thing is I am being distracted by all the fiction I am reading at the moment. But yes, I do like it and have been making some notes for my review. I think I enjoyed Seneca's - On the Shortness of Life a Little more. But this version of Meditations has a lot of notes. which is really good - I'll leave you with one quote
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.�
You've reminded me to get a hurry along - thx!
Mark wrote: "Meghna wrote: "Do update, how it worked out for you?"Hi Meghna - thanks for asking, well thing is I am being distracted by all the fiction I am reading at the moment. But yes, I do like it and ha..."
Ironically, most of the self-help books touch-base the same thought in various ways- "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.�
Honestly, I delved into it few years ago, in a very nascent stage of my life and career. It had a profound effect then! Looking forward to read your thoughts upon completion! :)
Needn't hurry up, Mark, read at your own pace :)
![©hrissie ❁ [1st week on campus-somewhat run-down]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1610034740p1/49071166.jpg)
I think I know what you mean by never quite 'finishing' certain books. I get that feeling quite a lot.
Glad you gave this a go, Mark. Meditations is one of my all time favourites. For me personally, only the Gregory Hays translation worked out. Tried a couple of other ls before but they were very hard to go through.
Ha, that’s the sign of a good book, Mark, even if it’s not always enjoyable. :)
Hi Mark, Read this years ago. But not that long ago: "First published January 1, 180". Liked it four stars (in my heart). Nice to see that you enjoyed this so much.
Eb
Wow, Mark. I'm full of admiration. This is one of those books which I really want to read but it sits around my house gathering dust.
I love this book. Sometimes I just pick it off my shelf and read a few pages. Old Marcus was a pretty wise man, everything he says just makes so much sense.
I finally stopped marking my copy...every sentence is a keeper.
Excellent review, Marc. I keep seeing it mentioned, I guess I'll have to read as well.
©hrissie � [1st week on campus-somewhat run-down] wrote: "I think I know what you mean by never quite 'finishing' certain books. I get that feeling quite a lot."Hahaha - me too Chrissie, but works like this endure not only over the ages but in our pockets too - always there to be picked up and savoured!
Meghna wrote: "Mark wrote: "Meghna wrote: "Do update, how it worked out for you?"Hi Meghna - thanks for asking, well thing is I am being distracted by all the fiction I am reading at the moment. But yes, I do l..."
It's up Meghna - a tricky one to review, so I kind of bablled on!
Tharindu wrote: "Glad you gave this a go, Mark. Meditations is one of my all time favourites. For me personally, only the Gregory Hays translation worked out. Tried a couple of other ls before but they were very ha..."I just read your review Tharindu, and I really enjoyed it and the quotes you pulled from this masterpiece. The version i read is stated in the review I just posted. I thought it was very good - particularly the notes.
Jennifer wrote: "Ha, that’s the sign of a good book, Mark, even if it’s not always enjoyable. :)"Hey Jennifer, this one is really worth it, truly - this or Seneca's work I mentioned above - good to have around :))
Ebba Simone wrote: "Hi Mark, Read this years ago. But not that long ago: "First published January 1, 180". Liked it four stars (in my heart). Nice to see that you enjoyed this so much.
Eb"
Loved it Eb, I note your first published date of 180 CE - see my review above, I researched a different printed date of the 1500s - perhaps that's a different thing. I wonder, when he wrote it in Greek - and it wasn't in any particularly order apparently - how lucky are we to have this work survive???
Anne (On semi-hiatus) wrote: "Wow, Mark. I'm full of admiration. This is one of those books which I really want to read but it sits around my house gathering dust."Hahahaha - thanks Annie, well just reading this certainly doesn't make me a stoic - but I do know the version I read was such a good one and as I say in the review - the notes were the highlight for me!!!! Go on pick it up :))
Diane wrote: "I love this book. Sometimes I just pick it off my shelf and read a few pages. Old Marcus was a pretty wise man, everything he says just makes so much sense."Yes, yes and yes Diane - it all does seem like just common sense doesn't it - and the way you read it, in small aliquots, is the way to go I think - great stuff. A difficult book to review, it just needs to be owned and read!
Bianca wrote: "Excellent review, Marc. I keep seeing it mentioned, I guess I'll have to read as well."Yes Bianca, grab a copy - the one I read was terrific - but as said, it's not something to be read, it's to be picked up now and then and enjoyed. The fact it's written by a Roman Emperor makes it that much more special hey :))
I think I’m in love with a bust. Lovely review, Mark, and having those notes along with his thoughts seems the way to go.
Judith wrote: "I think I’m in love with a bust. Lovely review, Mark, and having those notes along with his thoughts seems the way to go."Indeed Judtih and thanks for your kind comments - isn't that bust wonderful? He does look almost gentle - perhaps he was. But yes, the notes were a highlight to be sure!
You've almost persuaded me to go out and buy this book . . .
Lisa wrote: "You've almost persuaded me to go out and buy this book . . ."Almost?? What more do I need to do here to sell this one to you Lisa???? 😬😬
ps. I have no pecuniary interest in recommendingn this book
Well, I do own a copy of this book, Markus! Now I have to see if it's the Penguin edition or not. I do love your enthusiasm for the emperors and I very much enjoyed your stellar review :) :)
Candi wrote: "Well, I do own a copy of this book, Markus! Now I have to see if it's the Penguin edition or not. I do love your enthusiasm for the emperors and I very much enjoyed your stellar review :) :)"Thanks so much Canders, so kind. You know, you dont have to really start it, it can just be left lying around, and picked up for 2 or 3 minutes when it takes your fancy. Anyway - I am trying to bully you - so I'll stop 😜 Thanks again for you nice comments :))
I see you spent several months on this. I can understand even though I’ve never read it. It must be one to savor for sure. I will put this on my list of must reads, Mark. Thanks!
This certainly doesn’t sound like a book I’d migrate towards, but after your brilliant review and all the pro comments for this book, I may have to get a copy for my bedside table. Btw, I love Enya:)
Lori wrote: "I see you spent several months on this. I can understand even though I’ve never read it. It must be one to savor for sure. I will put this on my list of must reads, Mark. Thanks!"Yes Lori, it's not a book to be knocked off in a few days - it really shouldn't be started, nor finished but ongoing - something lying around. It's worth having and dipping into for sure - the edition I managed to snaffle (actually it was a gift) is brilliant as described in my reivew - thanks again!
Antoinette wrote: "This certainly doesn’t sound like a book I’d migrate towards, but after your brilliant review and all the pro comments for this book, I may have to get a copy for my bedside table. Btw, I love Enya:)"Oh yes, I hope you get it Antoinette, it is a very relevant piece of work - amazingly. Particularly when some or many of the Emperors probably weren't the sharpest tools in the shed.
Now Enya - how much time have you got, yes she is a mainstay in my life. When I was working my colleauges were relentless in making fun of me when I played it in my office. She's also great for relaxing, reflecting and wallowing methinks :))
Congratulations on this wonderful review on such a 'heavy' and important book. It would be a bit too much for me, so I'm glad for your review.
Fantastic review, Mark and a real heavy-weight of a book, well captured.
Mark,The information I've been referring to about the first publishing date is listed on GR. I don't know whether this is accurate. Yes, we are lucky. 🙂
Wow, Mark. I did not know that Marcus and Seneca's books go into your Man Bag. So you have food for thought wherever you go. That is amazing. [A lot of junk goes into my handbag. :-) ]
Morgan wrote: "Congratulations on this wonderful review on such a 'heavy' and important book. It would be a bit too much for me, so I'm glad for your review."Hey Morgan, really I dont think it's so heavy at all - if you like there's a whole bunch of phrases - hints for a more thorough life - it isn't heavy at all. Then there's notes, if one is interested, but they aren't essential. Seneca's work though is probably a shade better for mine :))
Peter (on semi-hiatus) wrote: "Fantastic review, Mark and a real heavy-weight of a book, well captured."Onya Peter, as I was saying to Morgan - I'm not sure it's so heavy (as a read) but it's certainly very heavy as a historical piece for sure. It's worth a look!
Ebba Simone wrote: "Mark,The information I've been referring to about the first publishing date is listed on GR. I don't know whether this is accurate. Yes, we are lucky. 🙂"
Indeedy we are Eb!!!
Laysee wrote: "Wow, Mark. I did not know that Marcus and Seneca's books go into your Man Bag. So you have food for thought wherever you go. That is amazing. [A lot of junk goes into my handbag. :-) ]"Hahahaha - Oi Laysee, it's a "Man Bag" not a "Hand Bag" small thing but important 😂
Definitely going to read this after your fabulous review Mark
Fantastic review, Mark! Amazing that it has stood the test of time.
@Margaret thanks so much, its certainly worth a look - if you ever need a top up of sage advice!!!
@Nancy thats one of the things that blows me away Nancy, how it still stands the test of time! The notes also make this a great historical piece and in some ways are more interesting - thanks again!
Remarkable review - an absolute pleasure to read. You've given me a mini history lesson, as well as a new reason to admire you as a reader, Mark. I'm so very addicted to fiction, I don't know what the likelihood is that I'll pick this up any time soon, but you must know how you've tempted me (and made me wish I'd read this in university, like other philosophical texts I'm grateful to have read). Bravo!
Robin wrote: "Remarkable review - an absolute pleasure to read. You've given me a mini history lesson, as well as a new reason to admire you as a reader, Mark. I'm so very addicted to fiction, I don't know what ..."Such kind comments Robin, you've made my day!! The people I admire are those such as yourself who studied literature at University (while I was doing sums and stuff!) and in your case, you are a writer as well! This is indeed a remarkable piece of work, particularly if we take into consideration what this man was doing at the time. Thanks again :))
Stellar review, Mark! I love Seneca and his stoicism, too. After this work, I read Seneca's Letters from a Stoic. I need to check out On the Shortness of Life when I'm in the right mood to read philosophy.
"All that exists will soon change. Either it will be turned into vapour, if all matter is a unity, or it will be scattered in atoms."
Such a beautiful quote.
Nika wrote: "Stellar review, Mark! I love Seneca and his stoicism, too. After this work, I read Seneca's Letters from a Stoic. I need to check out On the Shortness of Life when I'm in the right mood to read ph..."
I reckon that's a great quote Nika - as a practising (fundamentalist😂) atheist, that quote is a mantra I live by. It gives me so much comfort to know when I am finally snuffed out, my atoms will become become part of this universe again - some of them in the air, part of a tree, in the dirt, a part of a rabbit's ear perhaps. Nothing gives me more comfort.
You're right it is a beautiful quote.
I'll look forward to review of On the Shortness of Life - it's a slim book and probably easier (or quicker) to read than Meditations. Seneca was also a fascinating guy wasn't he? Very wealthy (one of the richest), and his relationship as mentor to Nero is fascinating - one could argue that didn't go so well!! Anyway, thanks for your kind comments.
The one I'm really conflicted with is Seneca. I wish I could get into his mind. Was he the real deal? But people do also delude themselves, believing their own PR.
caffeinated reader wrote: "The one I'm really conflicted with is Seneca. I wish I could get into his mind. Was he the real deal? But people do also delude themselves, believing their own PR."That's a great question Caffy - you mean you are conflicted in that you don't know if he was a real stoic? I did laugh when I read the story of him (and the details might not be exactly right) going 'out bush' to spend a few nights without the luxuries he was used to being such a wealthy man. He tooks a simple bed, shelter etc - but also a handful of slaves to look after him - what?? Some classy stoicism. So I dont know - all I know is I like his writings and am fascinated by his history and life and involvement with the Imprerial family. What do you reckon?
Amazing review, Mark! I too am becoming immensely interested in the Ancient Roman Empire. Just last night I read a part in Claudius the God where Claudius banished Seneca because he was having an affair with his niece, and Seneca writes very flattering phrases for Claudius so he says, The only effect that this slime and honey had on me was to make me quite satisfied in my mind that I had not wronged anyone by his banishment - except perhaps the island of Corsica,
Kushagri wrote: "Amazing review, Mark! I too am becoming immensely interested in the Ancient Roman Empire. Just last night I read a part in Claudius the God where Claudius banished Seneca because he was having an a..."Isn't that a great quote Kushagri? Brilliant. Now I cant recall who was Seneca supposed to have an affair with, was it Agrippina the Younger of Livilla?
Great to see you still ploughing your way through all things Claudius - magic! Thanks for yourt compliments re my review too!! This one is worth a read if you ever have the time.
Yes, Mark! It’s definitely a brilliant quote. It was Lesbia, the other sister. Thank you so much! I am enjoying the Claudius series. Yes, I do have Meditations by Marcus Aurelius on my shelf and will definitely do check it out. And as you say, it’s something to savour from time to time, so I will make this a long term read and dive deep into it!
