Try free for 30 days
-
Meditations
- Narrated by: Duncan Steen
- Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Meditations
Buy Now for $21.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Buy it with
-
Letters from a Stoic
- Penguin Classics
- By: Seneca, Robin Campbell
- Narrated by: Julian Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 69
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 58
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 57
Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.Â
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The Most Honourable and Virtuous to have lived
- By Anonymous User on 04-01-2022
-
Discourses and Selected Writings
- By: Epictetus, Robert Dobbin
- Narrated by: Richard Goulding
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 16
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 13
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 13
Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
best book and great narration
- By Anonymous User on 14-05-2023
-
The Daily Stoic
- 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 379
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 309
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 305
Why have history's greatest minds - from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson along with today's top performers, from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities - embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers a daily devotional of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Great intro to the Stoic philosphy
- By Avi Naidu on 21-01-2020
-
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald J. Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 502
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 434
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 430
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Most Excellent
- By Mezm on 03-04-2020
-
Be Useful
- Seven Tools for Life
- By: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Narrated by: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 223
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 214
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 214
The world's greatest bodybuilder. The world's highest paid movie star. The leader of the world's sixth largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke. But this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident. Arnold's stratospheric success happened as part of a process. As the result of clear vision, big thinking, hard work, direct communication, resilient problem-solving, open-minded curiosity, and a commitment to giving back. All of it guided by the one lesson Arnold's father hammered into him above all: be useful.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Must listen
- By Rory Gallagher on 20-10-2023
-
The Obstacle Is the Way
- The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage
- By: Ryan Holiday
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
- Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 20
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 18
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 18
Drawing its inspiration from stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy of enduring pain or adversity with perseverance and resilience, The Obstacle Is the Way has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women around the world who apply its wisdom to become more successful at whatever they do. Ryan Holiday shows us how some of the most successful people in history - from John D. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Ulysses S. Grant to Steve Jobs - have applied stoicism to overcome difficult or even impossible situations.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Inspiring and informative
- By Todd Newlands on 21-11-2023
-
Letters from a Stoic
- Penguin Classics
- By: Seneca, Robin Campbell
- Narrated by: Julian Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 69
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 58
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 57
Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.Â
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The Most Honourable and Virtuous to have lived
- By Anonymous User on 04-01-2022
-
Discourses and Selected Writings
- By: Epictetus, Robert Dobbin
- Narrated by: Richard Goulding
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 16
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 13
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 13
Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
best book and great narration
- By Anonymous User on 14-05-2023
-
The Daily Stoic
- 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 379
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 309
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 305
Why have history's greatest minds - from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson along with today's top performers, from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities - embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers a daily devotional of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Great intro to the Stoic philosphy
- By Avi Naidu on 21-01-2020
-
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald J. Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 502
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 434
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 430
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Most Excellent
- By Mezm on 03-04-2020
-
Be Useful
- Seven Tools for Life
- By: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Narrated by: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 223
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 214
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 214
The world's greatest bodybuilder. The world's highest paid movie star. The leader of the world's sixth largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke. But this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident. Arnold's stratospheric success happened as part of a process. As the result of clear vision, big thinking, hard work, direct communication, resilient problem-solving, open-minded curiosity, and a commitment to giving back. All of it guided by the one lesson Arnold's father hammered into him above all: be useful.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Must listen
- By Rory Gallagher on 20-10-2023
-
The Obstacle Is the Way
- The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage
- By: Ryan Holiday
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
- Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 20
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 18
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 18
Drawing its inspiration from stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy of enduring pain or adversity with perseverance and resilience, The Obstacle Is the Way has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women around the world who apply its wisdom to become more successful at whatever they do. Ryan Holiday shows us how some of the most successful people in history - from John D. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Ulysses S. Grant to Steve Jobs - have applied stoicism to overcome difficult or even impossible situations.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Inspiring and informative
- By Todd Newlands on 21-11-2023
-
The Laws of Human Nature
- By: Robert Greene
- Narrated by: Paul Michael
- Length: 28 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 987
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 828
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 827
Robert Greene is a master guide for millions, distilling ancient wisdom and philosophy into essential texts for seekers of power, understanding and mastery. Now he turns to the most important subject of all - understanding people's drives and motivations, even when they are unconscious of them themselves.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
highly recommended. Greene's best work so far
- By Ed on 10-11-2018
-
48 Laws of Power
- By: Robert Greene
- Narrated by: Richard Poe
- Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 927
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 747
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 739
Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws. This bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other infamous strategists. The 48 Laws of Power will fascinate any listener interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Just try 3 Laws
- By Tom on 23-04-2018
-
The Way of the Superior Man
- By: David Deida
- Narrated by: Cecil Archbold
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 885
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 678
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 661
In 1997, David Deida released what would become one of the most widely read books on men’s spirituality ever published—The Way of the Superior Man. In this unabridged audiobook of the 20th-anniversary edition, Deida presents a new preface to the now-classic text on how to live a life of masculine freedom, integrity, and authenticity.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
the superior man is a spiritually sexual being
- By stuart hearn on 09-07-2019
-
12 Rules for Life
- An Antidote to Chaos
- By: Jordan B. Peterson
- Narrated by: Jordan B. Peterson
- Length: 15 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 8,254
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 7,069
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 7,023
Acclaimed clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson has influenced the modern understanding of personality, and now he has become one of the world's most popular public thinkers, with his lectures on topics from the Bible to romantic relationships to mythology drawing tens of millions of viewers. In an era of unprecedented change and polarising politics, his frank and refreshing message about the value of individual responsibility and ancient wisdom has resonated around the world. In this audiobook, he provides 12 profound and practical principles for how to live a meaningful life.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Boring, religious content not openly disclosed.
- By Martin Castilla on 31-07-2018
-
Never Finished
- Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within
- By: David Goggins
- Narrated by: David Goggins, Adam Skolnick, Jacqueline Gardner
- Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,390
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,099
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 2,096
Can’t Hurt Me, David Goggins’ smash hit memoir, demonstrated how much untapped ability we all have but was merely an introduction to the power of the mind. In Never Finished, Goggins takes you inside his Mental Lab, where he developed the philosophy, psychology, and strategies that enabled him to learn that what he thought was his limit was only his beginning and that the quest for greatness is unending.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Great for some
- By Anonymous User on 21-12-2022
-
The Diary of a CEO
- The 33 Laws of Business and Life
- By: Steven Bartlett
- Narrated by: Steven Bartlett
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 83
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 84
At the very heart of all the success and failure I've been exposed to - both my own entrepreneurial journey and through the thousands of interviews I've conducted on my podcast - are a set of principles that can stand the test of time, apply to any industry, and be used by anyone who is search of building something great or becoming someone great.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Brilliant.
- By Daniel on 07-09-2023
-
The Ultimate Stoicism Collection
- Letters from a Stoic (All 124 Letters), Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, The Enchiridion, Of Peace of Mind, Of Anger, Of Providence, The Discourses of Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of Epictetus, Fragments Attributed to Epictetus, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers: The Stoics, & Marcus Aurelius Biography
- By: Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and others
- Narrated by: Museum Audiobooks cast
- Length: 51 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall2 out of 5 stars 5
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars 4
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 4
Stoicism, a school of Hellenistic thought founded in Athens in the third century BC, was one of the most sublime philosophies in the history of Western civilization. It is a way of living that focuses on reality instead of fantasy or idealism. According to its teachings, the path to peace and happiness is found in accepting the moment as it presents itself, by not allowing oneself to be ruled by the desire for pleasure or by the fear of pain. Â
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Poor reading
- By Amazon Customer on 26-06-2022
-
Atomic Habits
- An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones
- By: James Clear
- Narrated by: James Clear
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 14,466
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 11,275
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 11,163
A revolutionary system to get one per cent better every day. People think when you want to change your life, you need to think big. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way. He knows that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call. He calls them atomic habits.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
physical copy would be more helpful with this one
- By Anonymous User on 20-02-2019
-
The Psychology of Money
- Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
- By: Morgan Housel
- Narrated by: Chris Hill
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,469
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,169
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,165
Money - investing, personal finance, and business decisions - is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do. But in the real world people don’t make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together. In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Terrible
- By Anonymous User on 04-08-2021
-
The Prince
- By: Niccolò Machiavelli
- Narrated by: David McCallion
- Length: 4 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 114
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 91
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 93
In an attempt to appeal to the Medici family during the Italian Renaissance, Machiavelli outlines the way to acquire and retain political power, and how great men should behave in a princely government. The book is divided into four parts - types of principalities and state, proper conduct of a prince as military leader, personal conduct of a prince, and the disparity of Italy's political situation. Many listeners will be able to see principals that Machiavelli advocates for are still used in many political systems today.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Overrated
- By Amazon Customer on 24-11-2018
-
Can't Hurt Me
- Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
- By: David Goggins
- Narrated by: David Goggins, Adam Skolnick
- Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 19,731
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 17,078
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 17,030
For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare--poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a US Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force tactical air controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
A little agonizing
- By Amazon Customer on 04-03-2019
-
Elon Musk
- By: Walter Isaacson
- Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb, Walter Isaacson
- Length: 20 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 200
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 182
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 182
From the author of Steve Jobs and other bestselling biographies, this is the astonishingly intimate story of Elon Musk, the most fascinating and controversial innovator of our era—a rule-breaking visionary who helped to lead the world into the era of electric vehicles, private space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Peeling the onion on the most interesting person alive
- By Benjamin Lovett on 20-09-2023
Publisher's Summary
One of the most significant books ever written by a head of State, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions - a cornerstone of Western thought.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
What listeners say about Meditations
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- PD
- 09-05-2019
Meditations
Good book, however, I think this would have been more enjoyable as a hard copy as it is is quite in-depth and I would’ve like to have been more engrossed in it. Hopefully that makes sense...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- C. R. Grice
- 25-03-2017
Great introduction to Philosophy
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would, as it discusses topics that naturally turn into good conversations with friends.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Meditations?
The thought processes on death which emphasises that we are only on this earth for a short time and not to get to caught up with the successes of this life as for all mortals the result is inevitably the same no matter how much some people have been able to accomplish. The author encourages readers to accept that we are going to eventually pass away. Once we accept this we can learn to enjoy the time we have on this earth without creating unnecessary expectations on ourselves and therefore maintaining a good life balance.
What does Duncan Steen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
I have enjoyed listening to Duncan. He is very passionate when reading this book and he makes it his own by incorporating this when reading the book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peter Mercoulia
- 26-09-2016
amazing
loved every minute of it. he was a profound thinker. voice was perfect for the writings also. really enjoyed it
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Oyvind
- 09-05-2016
Great book
A book everyone should read by a very ineresting guy. Audio quality is good and easy to follow.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- A-M-L
- 28-01-2022
My most favourite read this year!
I love these meditative thoughts from an absolute genius!!! Bookmarked almost every bit of the book. I will be reading this again and again while trying to write notes and act upon them this year and years to come!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 26-10-2023
Marvellous
Outstanding to hear the words of Marcus Aurelius spoken so eloquently.
Truly worth every penny.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tamer Ghanima
- 12-03-2021
life changing
loved it thank you Marcus , what you control what you don't how to respond to them
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sebastian Villa
- 15-11-2020
A classic
it's awesome that almost 2 millenia ago, humanity dealt with the same issues of concentration, purpose, fear of death, irrational behaviour, etc.
Really awesome.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Henry
- 30-01-2018
The book we need right now
2000 years ago, the ancients dealt with the same issues we deal with now. The Stoics found what it meant to lead The Good Life. Of those, the personal thoughts of Marcus Aurelius give an incredible insight into understanding the philosophy, and how to apply it to day to day life.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- CMoney
- 17-09-2023
Hard to follow
Maybe I'm just an illiterate, but it's quite hard to follow most of the book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- David
- 22-10-2016
Excelent reading of an excellent classic
Marcus Aurelius seems often to be regarded as the "father of Stoicism" and his Meditations as a sort of Stoic Bible. Neither of these things is true - Stoicism was founded centuries before his time, in Greece, and the emperor's "meditations" were basically his study notes and personal journals. He was writing only for himself, and never meant for his writings to be published after his death as a guide to others on how to live their lives.
Nonetheless, the Meditations are worthy of a deep, thoughtful read. Much of what Aurelius "teaches" can be considered common sense guidelines to approaching life, even if you are not a capital-s Stoic.
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
This is Stoicism in a nutshell: You cannot control other things and people - you can only control yourself. Aurelius belabors this point at length - that whatever happens is meant to happen, that you have no power to change what has happened or will happen, and that therefore your only choice is how you will react to it. And that reacting with emotion is foolish.
Much of his philosophy also boils down to telling oneself to rise above insults, injuries, and idiots.
Begin each day by telling yourself: Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness – all of them due to the offenders’ ignorance of what is good or evil. But for my part I have long perceived the nature of good and its nobility, the nature of evil and its meanness, and also the nature of the culprit himself, who is my brother (not in the physical sense, but as a fellow creature similarly endowed with reason and a share of the divine); therefore none of those things can injure me, for nobody can implicate me in what is degrading. Neither can I be angry with my brother or fall foul of him; for he and I were born to work together, like a man’s two hands, feet or eyelids, or the upper and lower rows of his teeth. To obstruct each other is against Nature’s law – and what is irritation or aversion but a form of obstruction.
Stoicism often seems close to fatalism - one could conclude that if your life is basically out of your control and that everything and everyone will act according to their natures, there isn't much point in making plans or having hopes and dreams. But that isn't what Stoicism teaches, because the one thing you are in control of - yourself - is still a powerful agent in your life. Maybe you are (according to Stoic principles) fated to live a certain way and only that way, but you can choose to enjoy it or not, be miserable or not, be fulfilled or not.
Stoicism is powerful and requires a lot more study than just reading a Wikipedia summary or the meditations of one long-dead philosopher-emperor. But it appeals to me a lot, and so I really enjoyed reading Aurelius's words, even when he was expressing things that don't jive with my modern sensibilities. He was a pagan, of course, so he speaks of the gods as arbiters of our fates and the source of all that is good (a paradox I have always found amusing, given what fickle, spiteful jerks the gods are typically in Greco-Roman mythology), but sometimes he also refers to "God" as if he had also assimilated some monotheistic ideas.
Not everything in Aurelius's Meditations will resonate with everyone, but even if you are not interested in Stoicism per se, this is still a great philosophical and literary classic that is worth reading in its own right, for insights as to why an emperor from two thousand years ago is still so highly regarded.
The audiobook reading was pitch-perfect. I could listen to this guy speaking Stoic philosophy all day. Obviously Marcus Aurelius did not have a rich British accent, nor did he speak English, but still, it's easy to imagine his voice being like this, his accent being the equivalent, just as the words in translations probably don't use the exact same metaphors and figures of speech he did (and of course, in translation it's still quite deliberately stilted and archaic in cadence and sentence structure and vocabulary, when obviously Aurelius would have sounded more contemporary, if formal, to his own ears and those of his peers) but sound authentic.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
238 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Trenton
- 22-02-2015
Great narrator
This narrator rocks. I love setting the timer at night and just falling asleep to this book. He says a lot of good things.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
72 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Viviana
- 05-02-2016
This is a masterpiece. Most enriching. So thankful for it.
I am so thankful to have "stumbled" on this Audible recommendation. It was on sale, but after listening a few minutes I knew it was priceless. There is no way to "pay" for something whose value cannot be summed up. A treasure.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
53 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- James A. Williams
- 14-05-2012
Clearly and dramatically read classic
If you could sum up Meditations in three words, what would they be?
insightful
Inspirational
What other book might you compare Meditations to and why?
Bhagavad Gita - Discusses the way to perceive the challenges of life
What about Duncan Steen’s performance did you like?
Clearly and passionately read
If you could give Meditations a new subtitle, what would it be?
Interpreting and making sense of life through clearer lens
Any additional comments?
Nope
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
49 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eric J
- 09-11-2017
Realized I was bookmarking the entire book
So I stopped adding bookmarks.
This is my most-played audiobook, and I constantly return back to it. The information contained in this book is incredibly useful, and the narrator is absolutely perfect fit for it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
48 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jeff
- 09-01-2014
BEST NARRATION ON ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER
This is undoubtedly one of the best books ever written! Best advice for young and old in a perfectly straightforward manner. The most remarkable treatise on how to live ones life, whether it be on your actions or responding to the actions of others. One of the most remarkable books that Ive ever read- hands down. This is the best audible version of it as well. AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
46 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- n
- 25-03-2013
The Royal Treatment
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
A classic work of personal philosophy that has not aged a day since it was written by Emperor Marcus Aurelius between 170 and 180 CE.
Who was your favorite character and why?
N/A
What does Duncan Steen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Fantastic voice...not grating or wheezy or nerdily academic...Steen sounds like a soldier and a dignified ruler, and it is so easy to imagine Aurelius himself narrating his Meditations.
I would still read the book, because this is philosophy and not something you gobble down in a few hours. This is a road map for living. But I enjoyed being able to listen to a title that I have loved since I was 16, while doing something else with my hands.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
N/A
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
37 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Minneapolis
- 25-03-2013
Great Narration, Great Content
If you could sum up Meditations in three words, what would they be?
Concise, relevant, clear. This book lays out the heart of stoic philosophy and is a guide for living your life as a stoic.
What does Duncan Steen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Commanding voice and use of language.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
32 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Joe S.
- 03-03-2012
A book that needs to be listened to.
If you could sum up Meditations in three words, what would they be?
Wisdom to remember
What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?
Provides wisdom on how to live. This is one of the great books on the subject.
What does Duncan Steen bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?
He reads it extremely well, as if he is Marcus Aurelius.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
26 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Sam Motes
- 03-06-2013
Insight from man on top
The great leaders insight on morality, ethics, love and war. His belief in worrying about how you view yourself rather than how others view you is a very powerful thought from such a public figure. The Eastern philosophy of mindfulness is exemplified by much of his writing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
22 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paschal
- 07-01-2017
A matter of life and death.
It's amazing to think that Marcus Aurelius was wiser 2000 years ago than most of are today.
I listened to this while I was waiting for news regarding a life threatening disease.
It calmed me.
It helped me realise that whatever happens will be ok.
It is difficult to keep concentrating on the words all of the time but that does not matter because the important things are repeated in many different ways.
It is stoicism in the extreme.
But I like that.
It certainly helps one to keep ones feet on the ground.
And all that coming from a Roman Emperor.
Amazing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
134 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- James Riley
- 02-12-2015
Important text on self-reflection and improvement
Would you listen to Meditations again? Why?
I would. It is one of those books that you don't just listen to once, or listen to in one sitting. Because the structure of the book is the multiple self-reflections of Aurelius, you can dip in and out. Listen to 3 minutes and you will get something to think about for the next 3 hours. If you are 'seasoning' this book, you are doing it wrong. Reflect on his reflections!
Aurelius constantly stresses the importance of acting in the most stoic way, how to improve yourself and those around you without being dominating nor imposing. The great little gems of knowledge are interspersed with some comments on the science / worldview of the time, which makes it a nice historic account and truly set in its time. Nonetheless, the importance of a stoic attitude to life is still relevant today.
Without a doubt it is one of the important texts in history about being a good human being.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
51 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Asten
- 07-03-2017
Classic and timeless
This is a book with timeless ideas and philosophy on how to deal with the ups and downs of life. Marcus Aurelius writes with a wisdom that is more insightful and real than most of today's self-help life coaches.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
19 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 23-12-2017
An excellent version of a classic
A deserved classic of ancient Stoic wisdom. The book is a high-brow self-help tome. It contains useful guidance for the everyday practice of the virtues magnanimity and equanimity that allow man to be calm and sociable but also independent of the chaos of natural transformation and of social pressure. That, anyway, is the theory. Whether it works for you depends on your capacity to reprogram yourself by accepting the dubious metaphysics and problematic ethics of Stoicism. Fans of Buddhism will find a lot to like here, but critics of quietism may want to rebel. But whatever the flaws of the philosophy, these meditations are an admirably lucid and well-argued presentation of that popuar balsam for the aching soul.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
16 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 10-07-2017
Great book.
A wisdom that can change your life. I wish i had read this before. worth another listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sobriety
- 29-03-2018
Philosophy 101
Philosophy at its most candid and best! Great narration - voice perfect for the topic
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Lucy
- 01-10-2011
Peace in a CD
The material is excellent and the voice is perfect for this Book - not too dramatic, not too droll, no irritations - absolutely perfect - the combination of these great words and this perfect voice can bring you Peace.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ken Murphy
- 27-02-2016
Old world philosophy still relevant...
... to the modern world and the human condition. An excellent reading of the meditations of Marcus Aurelius. Best enjoyed in a quiet room sitting comfortably on a good chair in my opinion in order to get into the appropriate, reflective state of mind.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Francisco
- 27-08-2017
wisdom for the spirit
Good book to open the mind into the universe and close it against any narrowness of thinking.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- D
- 07-12-2015
Human Principles of Life
This is a man who's station and power exceed that which we may never hope to obtain, yet he suffers the same.
Here is given advice that will benefit the reasonable who will practice it, repeated over his life time, proving even he lost or feared loosing his way.
The performance by Duncan Steen is excellent. He has a real understanding of the words and context, which give it life.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
I Think, Therefore I Am: Philosophy for Beginners
Feast your ears on these timeless, brilliant audiobooks by famous theorists from ancient Rome to the modern day, and understand the lasting legacies of these philosophers.