Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
$7.26 with 40 percent savings
List Price: $12.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery January 22 - 29 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery January 21 - 28
Only 16 left in stock (more on the way).
$$7.26 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$7.26
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Meditations (Penguin Classics) Paperback – October 31, 2006

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 8,196 ratings

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.

Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$7.26","priceAmount":7.26,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"26","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"IVoYfAOOMHSk90dB2Sdlp5ydP914XCml%2FuabOli8Z54oI5009gvueP7qMnylknOELCnhemrSu204osbtaDG3zMHdHYAxP1F1aSUbPy0%2B26vu9QhjfHewJ0i5bCC8hFXoEf%2BSq3YqUZs%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A clear and eloquent leading translation of the Roman emperor’s reflections of human life and death, timeless Stoic philosophy that inspires countless others including The Daily Stoic author Ryan Holiday to use philosophy as a tool for self-improvement and resilience to live a better life

Written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius  offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and the values of leadership. But while the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers for almost two thousand years.

To provide a full understanding of Aurelius's seminal work, this edition includes explanatory notes, a general index, an index of quotations, an index of names, and an introduction by Diskin Clay putting the work in its biographical, historical, and literary context, a chronology of Marcus Aurelius's life and career.

Penguin Classics is the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, representing a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: Meditations (Penguin Classics)
$7.26
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jan 22
Only 16 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$9.69
Get it as soon as Sunday, Jan 26
Usually ships within 2 to 4 weeks
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$10.32
Get it Jan 16 - 29
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Prime Deals, USA.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Choose items to buy together.
Popular Highlights in this book

From the brand


From the Publisher

Letters from a Stoic (Penguin Classics) Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) How to Be a Stoic (Penguin Great Ideas)
Letters from a Stoic (Penguin Classics) Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) How to Be a Stoic (Penguin Great Ideas)
Price $9.08 $15.29 $11.49
More Stoic Philosophy from Penguin Classics

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Here, for our age, is [Marcus’s] great work presented in its entirety, strongly introduced and freshly, elegantly translated.” —Robert Fagles

From the Back Cover

A series of spiritual exercises filled with wisdom, practical guidance, and profound understanding of human behavior, Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. Marcus's insights and advice--on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity and interacting with others--have made the "Meditations required reading for statesmen and philosophers alike, while generations of ordinary readers have responded to the straightforward intimacy of his style.
In Gregory Hays's new translation--the first in a generation--Marcus's thoughts speak with a new immediacy: never before have they been so directly and powerfully presented.

"From the Trade Paperback edition.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Classics (October 31, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140449337
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0140449334
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1040L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.72 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 8,196 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Marcus Cornelius Fronto
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Marcus Cornelius Fronto (c. 100 – late 160s), Roman grammarian, rhetorician and advocate, was born at Cirta in Numidia. He also was suffect consul of 142.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
8,196 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book enlightening, inspiring, and profound. They appreciate the translation quality, writing style, and relevance to modern life. The book is described as a timeless classic with simple yet profound concepts.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

58 customers mention "Insight"58 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an enlightening, inspiring read with practical philosophy. They appreciate the simple yet profound concepts that can change their perspective. The book provides a guide to living a good life as defined by stoic philosophy. It is full of wisdom and can change your life.

"...The message is beautiful yet very simple: do your best with whatever befalls you, expressing gratitude for the chance to learn from it, and be good..." Read more

"...It's a book you can pick up and just flip to a page and read without having to read the entire book at one time...." Read more

"...Content-wise, I adore it. One of my favorite, most practical philosophy texts, and one I will return to endlessly. Really helps me stay centered." Read more

"...This book does not take long to read, and you can plow through it in about a week with roughly 30 minutes of reading each day...." Read more

35 customers mention "Translation quality"30 positive5 negative

Customers find the book's translation excellent and easy to understand. They appreciate the aphorism-based writing style that makes it simple to read and comprehend. The author's philosophy doesn't use pretentious language, making the book consumable. Readers recommend referencing the notes while reading the book. Overall, they consider the writings of Marcus Aurelius brilliant and relevant even today.

"...It should be required reading in our schools. The message is beautiful yet very simple: do your best with whatever befalls you, expressing gratitude..." Read more

"I consider this my bible, the writings of Marcus Aurelius are brilliant even in today's world...." Read more

"...may have two or three very minor ones, but it is overall a very hassle-free read. Content-wise, I adore it...." Read more

"...Due to Marcus' philosophy, he does not use pretentious language, so the book is consumable by a wide audience...." Read more

7 customers mention "Relevance to modern life"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relevant to modern life. They say it's a timeless classic with timeless thoughts.

"...We are incredibly privileged to be able to read such a historical masterpiece...." Read more

"This book is almost 2000 years old and still relevant. It is full of wisdom that can change your perspective in a powerful way...." Read more

"All should read this. The combined context and relevance to modern life is astounding." Read more

"Great book. Timeless classic to have and read again and again...." Read more

Almost 2000 Years Old and Eerily Accurate to Todays World
5 out of 5 stars
Almost 2000 Years Old and Eerily Accurate to Todays World
Synopsis:This is a book that everyone needs to read. This is the personal diary of the most important man in the Roman empire at the time it was written. This is the equivalent of being able to read the personal diary of todays world leaders, or top CEO's and understand their motivations and philosophies. This book does not take long to read, and you can plow through it in about a week with roughly 30 minutes of reading each day. Due to Marcus' philosophy, he does not use pretentious language, so the book is consumable by a wide audience. Overall, this book is certainly worth the read and it will change how you look at the world, yourself and your actions.The Book:Marcus was born in 121 AD and died in 180 AD, making his writings ~1,800 years old at the time of this review. Mediate on that for a bit...you're reading the personal diary from a Roman emperor who died almost 2000 years ago. We are incredibly privileged to be able to read such a historical masterpiece. The introduction from the translator is quite long, to the degree that I skipped it as he was consistently making references to the text, of which, I had not read yet. Mediations makes up the minority of the pages, with the majority being the introduction, then the rest being explanations of each verse. The explanations can be helpful in explaining the historical context.Here's a few heavily summarized topics discussed in the book as a preview:On Perception:Marcus made it his mission to look at the world objectively and for what it truly is, free of personal opinion or emotion. As long as what you were experiencing was within the bounds of what could be expected within the life of a human, it was your perception that made it pleasurable or painful. You could then change your perception on the issue and improve your life.On Religion:Despite being polytheistic, his philosophy on nature centers heavily on a type of worship of Gaia, coming very close to exalting her above Zeus. This is a very fine line he dances, always placing his trust in the Gods who had his best interest at heart, but also blending his knowledge of the natural world. Another peculiarity is that he frequently uses God in the singular form.On Nature:Nature has everyone and everything performing a specific task which contributes to the whole. To determine if something is good or bad, Marcus asks himself if it would harm the wider society. To illustrate, here is a quote from Marcus, "That which is not good for the beehive cannot be good for bees".On Time:Close to the end of the book, and to Marcus' death, he begins to reflect on his time spent on the earth. Marcus discusses how events repeat themselves and that 40 years of studying the natural world is enough. This is an extremely profound realization, since the reader can draw many parallels from his life, to our modern lives. He makes the bold claim that things never change, and time has proved him right. Marcus eventually died at 58 years of age.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024
    Meditations is an absolute classic. It should be required reading in our schools. The message is beautiful yet very simple: do your best with whatever befalls you, expressing gratitude for the chance to learn from it, and be good no matter the cost. The world would be better if we had more people like Marcus and fewer people trying to selfishly escape responsibility and eschew gratitude. Stoicism saved me from a life of bitterness and resentment, and I hope its reach only grows with time.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
    I consider this my bible, the writings of Marcus Aurelius are brilliant even in today's world. He spoke from the heart and had a way of articulating his points. It's a book you can pick up and just flip to a page and read without having to read the entire book at one time. Some of his writings are only a couple phrases or sentences some are a couple pages but everything he writes is from his wisdom. This is my daily inspiration
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024
    I often encounter severe typos in e-book editions of philosophy texts and other esoteric works, but not this time. This version may have two or three very minor ones, but it is overall a very hassle-free read.

    Content-wise, I adore it. One of my favorite, most practical philosophy texts, and one I will return to endlessly. Really helps me stay centered.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2023
    Synopsis:
    This is a book that everyone needs to read. This is the personal diary of the most important man in the Roman empire at the time it was written. This is the equivalent of being able to read the personal diary of todays world leaders, or top CEO's and understand their motivations and philosophies. This book does not take long to read, and you can plow through it in about a week with roughly 30 minutes of reading each day. Due to Marcus' philosophy, he does not use pretentious language, so the book is consumable by a wide audience. Overall, this book is certainly worth the read and it will change how you look at the world, yourself and your actions.

    The Book:
    Marcus was born in 121 AD and died in 180 AD, making his writings ~1,800 years old at the time of this review. Mediate on that for a bit...you're reading the personal diary from a Roman emperor who died almost 2000 years ago. We are incredibly privileged to be able to read such a historical masterpiece. The introduction from the translator is quite long, to the degree that I skipped it as he was consistently making references to the text, of which, I had not read yet. Mediations makes up the minority of the pages, with the majority being the introduction, then the rest being explanations of each verse. The explanations can be helpful in explaining the historical context.

    Here's a few heavily summarized topics discussed in the book as a preview:

    On Perception:
    Marcus made it his mission to look at the world objectively and for what it truly is, free of personal opinion or emotion. As long as what you were experiencing was within the bounds of what could be expected within the life of a human, it was your perception that made it pleasurable or painful. You could then change your perception on the issue and improve your life.

    On Religion:
    Despite being polytheistic, his philosophy on nature centers heavily on a type of worship of Gaia, coming very close to exalting her above Zeus. This is a very fine line he dances, always placing his trust in the Gods who had his best interest at heart, but also blending his knowledge of the natural world. Another peculiarity is that he frequently uses God in the singular form.

    On Nature:
    Nature has everyone and everything performing a specific task which contributes to the whole. To determine if something is good or bad, Marcus asks himself if it would harm the wider society. To illustrate, here is a quote from Marcus, "That which is not good for the beehive cannot be good for bees".

    On Time:
    Close to the end of the book, and to Marcus' death, he begins to reflect on his time spent on the earth. Marcus discusses how events repeat themselves and that 40 years of studying the natural world is enough. This is an extremely profound realization, since the reader can draw many parallels from his life, to our modern lives. He makes the bold claim that things never change, and time has proved him right. Marcus eventually died at 58 years of age.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Almost 2000 Years Old and Eerily Accurate to Todays World
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2023
    Synopsis:
    This is a book that everyone needs to read. This is the personal diary of the most important man in the Roman empire at the time it was written. This is the equivalent of being able to read the personal diary of todays world leaders, or top CEO's and understand their motivations and philosophies. This book does not take long to read, and you can plow through it in about a week with roughly 30 minutes of reading each day. Due to Marcus' philosophy, he does not use pretentious language, so the book is consumable by a wide audience. Overall, this book is certainly worth the read and it will change how you look at the world, yourself and your actions.

    The Book:
    Marcus was born in 121 AD and died in 180 AD, making his writings ~1,800 years old at the time of this review. Mediate on that for a bit...you're reading the personal diary from a Roman emperor who died almost 2000 years ago. We are incredibly privileged to be able to read such a historical masterpiece. The introduction from the translator is quite long, to the degree that I skipped it as he was consistently making references to the text, of which, I had not read yet. Mediations makes up the minority of the pages, with the majority being the introduction, then the rest being explanations of each verse. The explanations can be helpful in explaining the historical context.

    Here's a few heavily summarized topics discussed in the book as a preview:

    On Perception:
    Marcus made it his mission to look at the world objectively and for what it truly is, free of personal opinion or emotion. As long as what you were experiencing was within the bounds of what could be expected within the life of a human, it was your perception that made it pleasurable or painful. You could then change your perception on the issue and improve your life.

    On Religion:
    Despite being polytheistic, his philosophy on nature centers heavily on a type of worship of Gaia, coming very close to exalting her above Zeus. This is a very fine line he dances, always placing his trust in the Gods who had his best interest at heart, but also blending his knowledge of the natural world. Another peculiarity is that he frequently uses God in the singular form.

    On Nature:
    Nature has everyone and everything performing a specific task which contributes to the whole. To determine if something is good or bad, Marcus asks himself if it would harm the wider society. To illustrate, here is a quote from Marcus, "That which is not good for the beehive cannot be good for bees".

    On Time:
    Close to the end of the book, and to Marcus' death, he begins to reflect on his time spent on the earth. Marcus discusses how events repeat themselves and that 40 years of studying the natural world is enough. This is an extremely profound realization, since the reader can draw many parallels from his life, to our modern lives. He makes the bold claim that things never change, and time has proved him right. Marcus eventually died at 58 years of age.
    Images in this review
    Customer image Customer image Customer image
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    57 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024
    I enjoyed these reflections. I had never read any books by Marcus Aurelius and was inspired to do so after watching the film, the holdovers. The film misrepresents the book, however, in that it states that God is never mentioned. In fact, it seems to me that God is present all over these pages and mention several times. It reads likethe book of proverbs in some ways. At other times, it feels like Ecclesiastes. This is not a long read, but it is a worthwhile one in my opinion. The emphasis on the virtues as a way of life has always worth further reflection.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    Glad to finally have a copy of this. Print and binding is a wee bit flimsy, so definitely not a pass it along heirloom quality printing. But, it’s the Meditations that counts, right?

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • luis a.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buen libro
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 15, 2024
    Buen libro
  • alex_de_brasil
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ótimo livro, boa tradução
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 28, 2024
    Um dos melhores livros que eu já li. Um livro que nunca era pra ter sido um livro. Meditações foi um "diário" pessoal de Marco Aurélio que continha conselhos que ele escrevia para si próprio a fim de encontrar alguma paz e direção em meio ao caos.
    A tradução da Penguin é boa, mas eu achei a de Hays melhor.
  • TheErgoProxy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless Wisdom for Cultivating Virtue and Resilience in an Uncertain World
    Reviewed in Canada on March 1, 2024
    "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is a profound and timeless work of philosophy that offers readers profound insights into Stoic philosophy and practical guidance for living a virtuous life. Composed as a series of personal reflections and meditations, this classic text provides a window into the mind of one of history's most revered leaders and philosophers.

    One of the most compelling aspects of "Meditations" is its intimate and introspective tone. Written by Marcus Aurelius as a form of self-examination and moral reflection, the text offers readers a glimpse into the inner thoughts and struggles of a Stoic philosopher-emperor. Through his meditations, Marcus Aurelius grapples with timeless questions of ethics, mortality, and the nature of the universe, offering readers profound insights into the human condition.

    Central to Marcus Aurelius's philosophy is the idea of living in accordance with nature and embracing the virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Throughout "Meditations," he emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, resilience, and moral integrity in the face of life's challenges. His reflections on the transience of life, the importance of humility, and the power of reason offer readers timeless wisdom that is as relevant today as it was in ancient Rome.

    Moreover, "Meditations" is filled with practical advice and actionable insights that readers can apply to their own lives. From strategies for overcoming adversity to techniques for cultivating inner peace and tranquility, Marcus Aurelius's meditations offer a valuable roadmap for navigating life's ups and downs with grace and dignity.

    In conclusion, "Meditations" is a profound and enduring work that continues to inspire readers with its timeless wisdom and practical guidance. Marcus Aurelius's reflections on Stoic philosophy offer readers a blueprint for living a life of virtue, resilience, and inner peace, making it essential reading for anyone seeking wisdom and guidance in their journey through life.
    Customer image
    TheErgoProxy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless Wisdom for Cultivating Virtue and Resilience in an Uncertain World
    Reviewed in Canada on March 1, 2024
    "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is a profound and timeless work of philosophy that offers readers profound insights into Stoic philosophy and practical guidance for living a virtuous life. Composed as a series of personal reflections and meditations, this classic text provides a window into the mind of one of history's most revered leaders and philosophers.

    One of the most compelling aspects of "Meditations" is its intimate and introspective tone. Written by Marcus Aurelius as a form of self-examination and moral reflection, the text offers readers a glimpse into the inner thoughts and struggles of a Stoic philosopher-emperor. Through his meditations, Marcus Aurelius grapples with timeless questions of ethics, mortality, and the nature of the universe, offering readers profound insights into the human condition.

    Central to Marcus Aurelius's philosophy is the idea of living in accordance with nature and embracing the virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Throughout "Meditations," he emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, resilience, and moral integrity in the face of life's challenges. His reflections on the transience of life, the importance of humility, and the power of reason offer readers timeless wisdom that is as relevant today as it was in ancient Rome.

    Moreover, "Meditations" is filled with practical advice and actionable insights that readers can apply to their own lives. From strategies for overcoming adversity to techniques for cultivating inner peace and tranquility, Marcus Aurelius's meditations offer a valuable roadmap for navigating life's ups and downs with grace and dignity.

    In conclusion, "Meditations" is a profound and enduring work that continues to inspire readers with its timeless wisdom and practical guidance. Marcus Aurelius's reflections on Stoic philosophy offer readers a blueprint for living a life of virtue, resilience, and inner peace, making it essential reading for anyone seeking wisdom and guidance in their journey through life.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Frank Sen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great wisdom
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2024
    Great book and everlasting truths written in a format that is easy to read every day.
  • Paulo Menezes
    5.0 out of 5 stars arrived as expected
    Reviewed in Germany on December 21, 2024
    good quality and fast delivery.