Meditations

Nearly two thousand years after its creation, this work remains deeply relevant for those seeking a meaningful life. Few ancient texts have had as significant an impact as the writings of Marcus Aurelius, philosopher and Roman emperor (A.D. 161–180). Comprising a series of spiritual exercises filled with wisdom and practical guidance, it stands as one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection. Marcus’s insights on living in the world, coping with adversity, and interacting with others have made this text essential reading for both statesmen and philosophers, while its straightforward intimacy resonates with ordinary readers. For those grappling with the balance between leadership demands and personal integrity, the work continues to hold timeless relevance. In Gregory Hays’s new translation—the first in thirty-five years—Marcus’s thoughts are presented with renewed immediacy. Hays captures the spareness and compression of the original Greek in fresh, accessible English. This edition, featuring an Introduction that outlines Marcus’s life, Stoic doctrine, and the work’s enduring influence, allows readers to rediscover the insights of one of history's most enlightened leaders.