About the author
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121–180
AD) was the model of what we call a philosopher-king. Though his
rule was troubled by war and conflict, he remained a thoughtful and
even-handed ruler.
Meditations isn’t a complete book, but rather a collection of his
personal diary entries written over a ten-year campaign in Greece.
The entries were never meant to be published; instead, they were a
reminder to himself of how to remain calm, tranquil, and kind, even
in the worst of situations. In them we see the emperor working out
how to deal with the everyday problems all of us face: annoying
coworkers, difficult family members, the expectations of others,
unrealized goals and achievements, and, ultimately, happiness.
In essense this is a handbook of thoughtful advice on how to live a
tranquil, satisfied, and productive life.
This translation was done by a renowned English scholar George
Long in 1862.
