Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius · first published 1626
51% recommend46% neutral2% critical
Why HN recommends it
Private Stoic reflections of an emperor struggling to govern his own mind; useful for reframing external troubles as judgments you control, and for steadying yourself in midlife. Hays translation singled out.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Meditations is a collection of personal reflections and notes by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161 to 180 AD), offering a profound look into the philosophy of Stoicism. It was never intended for publication, making it a raw and intimate self-help manual for the emperor during his campaigns and rule. The central theme revolves around living a good, rational, and virtuous life in harmony with nature and the cosmos. Aurelius continually reminds himself that everything in the universe is constantly changing and fleeting, urging the reader to accept the impermanence of life and the in
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…a lot better with: > "Forget the future. When and if it comes, you’ll have the same resources to draw on—the same logos" (from Gregory Hayes translation, if I'm not mistaken) https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-New-Translation-Marcus-Au...
on “The Wisdom in Kung Fu Panda” ↗One of my favorite quotes on this topic comes from Aurelius' description of his adopted father in Meditations. [Y]ou would never say of him that he "broke out a sweat": but everything was allotted its own time and thought, as by a man of leisure - his way was unhurried, organized, vigorous, consistent in all.…
on “Efficiency is dangerous and slowing down makes life better” ↗…someone with a classical bent asks for historical fiction and you take them to the romance section they will never come back. If you don't have even a small collection of timeless classics, say Aurelius' Meditations, Khayyam's poetry, Ulysses (and, of course, Odysseus) yours is not a bookshop. 9. Learn how to use the Internet! Understand that probably a good percentage (if not the majority) of your sales will come…
on “What I Learned From Opening a Bookstore” ↗Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) - incredibly clear ideas probably clear-up 80% of issues you have with everyday life The Bible (& The Gnostic Gospels) - I love the idea that Jesus was a real guy who (literally) petrified…
on “Ask HN: What are the books that changed the perspective of your life?” ↗Meditations - Marcus Aurelius -- A fine classic I enjoyed. Might count, might not, since it finished in March but was going on before. I loved Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality - Eliezer Yudkowsky - http://hpmor.com/…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2015?” ↗…good idea, don't get me wrong. Still, if you liked his book, I'd go back and read more about stoicism. Here are some suggestion, but if anyone else has others, please chime in: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Thrift-Editions-Marcus-Au... https://www.amazon.com/Senecas-Letters-Stoic-Thrift-Editions... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism
on “Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect?” ↗…happiness follows a U curve. Mid 40's tends to bottom out on happiness then steadily increases. Useful to know since riding it out is a viable strategy. [1] 2) This translation [2] of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations is powerful as a daily reminder that no matter the year or station in life, the struggles are universal. Focusing on what's in your control and "knowing thyself" goes a long way towards fighting overwhelm.…
on “Ask HN: Activity and reading to move through mid-life crisis?” ↗Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
on “Ask HN: Which book helped you understand the world?” ↗…where your outsider status is irrelevant or even a positive. Try reading The Fountainhead or some Nietzsche for inspiraton? 4. You may find some value in reading the philosophy of the Stoics[1]. The Meditations[2] by Marcus Aurelius might be a worthwhile read. [1]: http://www.iep.utm.edu/stoicism/ [2]: http://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html
on “Depression and feeling like an outsider” ↗This is a fantastic translation of Meditations: http://www.amazon.com/The-Emperors-Handbook-Translation-Medi...
on “Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014?” ↗Self-help/personal development/philosophy: - The obstacle is the way (Ryan Holiday) - Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) - Level up your life: how to unlock adventure and happiness by becoming the hero of your own story - the six pillars of self-esteem - so good they can’t ignore you - the power of…
on “Ask HN: Book Recommendations?” ↗…https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465020429/ The Righteous Mind https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307455777/ Mindstorms https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465046746/ – Philosophy – Tao Te Ching https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060812451/ Meditations https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545565678/ – Autobiography – Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393316041/ Recollections of Eugene Wigner https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738208868/ –…
on “Ask HN: What books have made the biggest impact on your mental models?” ↗I'd recommend all of these: Freakonomics- Interesting book if you're into Game theory and economics kind of stuff, though it has no prerequisites Meditations- Great views of a stoic thinker Zero to one- Interesting take on startups and how to build them Foundation and empire- Amazing sci-fi book. Second book in the foundation series
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2018?” ↗Stocism (actually reading Meditations by Marcus Auralius, not just "stiff upper lip" BS) and exercise were all that worked for me. If you're suffering please try those and note how you feel the next day, 2 days, 3 days.
on “Perseverance Toward Life Goals Can Fend Off Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorders” ↗Meditations - Marcus Aurelius Republic - Plato Laws - Cicero National System of Political Economy - Friedrich List Man and Technics - Oswald Spengler The Bible
on “Ask HN: Which books you have read till now that were worth investing time in?” ↗