Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
by Marcus Aurelius, Meric Casaubon · first published 2016
73% recommend24% neutral3% critical
Why HN recommends it
Short, plain-spoken Stoic reflections from a Roman emperor on handling stress, death and duty; suits engineers and busy people who want to dip in at any page and build a calmer, examined outlook.
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Fantastic question. The selfish gene - for understanding human behavior Meditations of Marcus Aurelius - for understanding how to be content Debt, the first 5,000 years - for understanding money and finance from the ground up Wright Brothers - for understanding how technological breakthroughs happen…
on “Ask HN: What books have made the biggest impact on your mental models?” ↗Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - a wonderfully simple explanation of what is truly important in life. The Order of Things or Madness and Civilisation by Michel Foucault - a look at how our culture and time limit the horizons of our…
on “Ask HN: What are the books that changed the perspective of your life?” ↗…Children of Time - a science fiction book that I enjoyed, I notice that fiction, in general, helps me deal with stressful work, as I disconnect easier and put myself in an imaginary world while reading; 3. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - this isn't a book you read cover to cover, I catch myself thinking long even after reading a single sentence; 1) and 3) I've come across on HN, but 2) was the unexpected random hit.
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2017?” ↗1. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - practical advice on how to arm yourself every day. 2. Man's Search for Meaning by Frankl - no matter how bad you think you have it, it can be worse, and you can find meaning. 3. The Snow Leopard by…
on “Ask HN: What was the one book that you read and it actually changed your life?” ↗Hirshman, Exit, Voice, and Loyalty Camus, the myth of Sisyphus Borges, the Aleph Chomsky, on Language Cicero, On Invention Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Wiener, Cybernetics James, Pragmatism Tzara, Dada manifesto
on “Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books?” ↗These are my 10 favourites: - Total Freedom by J Krishnamurti - Wit and Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: Benjamin Franklin - Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio - The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius by Marcus Aurelius - 10% Human: How Your Body’s Microbes Hold the Key to Health and Happiness by Alanna Collen - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig -…
on “Ask HN: What are some interesting books you read in 2017?” ↗In no particular order: Ecclesiastes The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius The Prince How To Win Friends and Influence People
on “Ask HN: What books have most influenced the way you see the world?” ↗…the glories that are not defined by 1 and 2. A good book should be a conversation, held at length, over time. You asked for philosphy in another comment: Victor Frankyl: Man in search of meaning Marcus Aurelius: Meditations Jung: Development of Personality, Archetypes/Aion Nietsche: all and any For philosophical fiction: Goethe: Faust Hemingway: Death in the afternoon (this was my first glimpse into why books can provide…
on “Ask HN: Are books worth it?” ↗Given my username: Meditations of Marcus Aurelius The Enchiridion Be sure to get modern translations of both. Reading these is not an academic exercise, it is a practical exercise.
on “Ask HN: Books Worth Rereading Periodically?” ↗…top scifi author Starship Troopers by Robert A Heinlein: The movie was awesome, until you read the book and see the movie as an abomination. Pheonix and Unicorn Projects by Gene Kim: Devops > ITIL. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: Stoicism, how to be a good leader, how to live life. How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie: Everyone should be forced to read this multiple times. I really need to re-read. Lying…
on “Ask HN: What are some must read books?” ↗Marcus Aurelius' Meditations Framework for a happy life in any context.
on “Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before?” ↗…Tolle - This book gives me the occasional goosebumps, a great summary of all spiritual teachings (before becoming religions) in a really simple way. If you are interested in such, I highly recommend it. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - I see it mentioned here already, no intro needed. Letters by Seneca - This book is a proof for me that the essential human experience, the core of what makes us human does not change over time. Seneca…
on “Ask HN: Which books you have read till now that were worth investing time in?” ↗Read; Marcus Aurelius ~ Meditations There is a ton of value in Stoic philosophy that has been lost in modern society. The same modern society that worships "looks", "Celebrity", and countless other craptacular "things" that haven't materially…
on “Daqri Smart Helmet” ↗Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD) helped me to keep going in tough times and to be a happier person.
on “Ask HN: Which book had the biggest impact on your personality?” ↗1) All of Robin Sharma's books - especially The Monk who sold his Ferrari 2) The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell 3) Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson 4) The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius 5) Barking up the wrong tree by Eric Barker 6) This might be strange - but Harry Potter series also teach us a lot, especially about Courage and Conviction.
on “Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect?” ↗