Marcus Annius Verus was born in Rome, A. D. 121, and assumed the name of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, by which he is known to history, on his adoption by the Emperor T. Aurelius Antoninus. M. Aurelius was educated by the orator Fronto, but turned aside from rhetoric to the study of the Stoic philosoph[...]

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves--and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives--and destroyed them.Now, Penguin brings you[...]

Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from 161 C.E. to his death in 180 C.E. He was destined to be a leader, having been born into a prominent family - one related by blood and marriage to rulers and bankers. During his era, Romans who inherited power and vast fortunes were expected to set an example. M[...]

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (a.d. 121--180) embodied in his person that deeply cherished, ideal figure of antiquity, the philosopher-king. His "Meditations "are not only one of the most important expressions of the Stoic philosophy of his time but also an enduringly inspiring guide t[...]

Originally written only for his personal consumption, Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" has become a key text in the understanding of Roman Stoic philosophy. This "Penguin Classics" edition is translated with notes by Martin Hammond and an introduction by Diskin Clay. Written in Greek by an intellectua[...]

Written in Greek without any intention of publication, this book offers spiritual reflections and exercises developed by the author, as the leader who struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. It covers topics such as: the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of th[...]

Christopher Gill provides a new translation and commentary on the first half of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, and a full introduction to this unique and remarkable work: a reflective diary or notebook by a Roman emperor, whose content is based on Stoic philosophy but presented in a highly distinctiv[...]

Introduction by D. A. Rees; Translation by A. S. L. Farquarson