Meditations
The private notebook of a Roman emperor, written to himself while on campaign: reminders to stay calm, do the work, and not be ruled by other people's opinions.
Things worth knowing
- Marcus Aurelius wrote it in Greek, probably in the early 170s, while leading campaigns against Germanic tribes along the Danube.
- The title came from a modern editor, Casaubon; the oldest surviving name for the work, used by the 10th-century bishop Arethas, is “the writings to himself”.
Listen, or read along
Every chapter has the recording and the same chapter as text. Open both if you like: the text is the words you are hearing.
-
1 Book One 17 min
-
2 Book Two 13 min
-
3 Book Three 16 min
-
4 Book Four 25 min
-
5 Book Five 25 min
-
6 Book Six 26 min
-
7 Book Seven 25 min
-
8 Book Eight 26 min
-
9 Book Nine 24 min
-
10 Book Ten 25 min
-
11 Book Eleven 22 min
-
12 Book Twelve 18 min
Where this comes from
Translated by George Long.
This recording uses George Long's translation, published in 1862. Long died in 1879, so the translation, like Marcus Aurelius's original, is in the public domain in the United States and in countries that protect a work for seventy years after the author's death.
Cover image: Marble portrait bust of Marcus Aurelius, Roman, Antonine period, 161–180 AD, Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photograph by Steerpike, 2 August 2007, released into the public domain by the photographer.
Narration: text-to-speech.
Want a copy for your bookshelf?
Enjoyed this audiobook? Add a printed copy to your personal library, or share the experience by gifting one to a friend or family member.
Open Ear Books earns a commission on purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.