The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius cover art

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 Months Free

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel monthly.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 15 July 2026 at 11:59 BST.
More purchase options

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

By: Marcus Aurelius
Narrated by: Walter Covell
Get this deal

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel monthly.

Buy Now for £10.95

Buy Now for £10.95

Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from 161 C.E. to his death in 180 C.E. He was destined to be a leader, having beeen 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.

Marcus shouldered his responsibilities with a clear sense of honor. He was history's first ombudsman, and if his role as a legislator or conqueror was not great, he did set high standards for emulation. Written in the form of confessions, his meditations provide a window into his insights on duty, virtue, and humility. He was the last of the "Five Good Emperors", and is also considered one of the most important stoic philosophers.

The Meditations, written on campaign between 170 and 180 C.E., is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty, and it has been praised for its "exquisite accent and its infinite tenderness". In fact, John Stuart Mill, in his Utility of Religion, compared The Meditations to the "Sermon on the Mount".

Public Domain (P)1986 Jimcin Recordings Ethics & Morality Greek & Roman History Philosophy Stoicism Meditation
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

Editor reviews

Marcus Aurelius was the Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 and a major Stoic philosopher. His life and philosophy have endured over the centuries in his volume, The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

Originally written in Greek between 170 and 180, Marcus wrote this book for himself as a means of self-improvement. In its 12 sections, Marcus offers his thoughts on introspection, avoiding physical indulgences, and developing a “cosmic” perspective.

Walter Covell’s magisterial but relaxed performance suits the direct style of this influential and widely cherished work of philosophy.
All stars
Most relevant

If you could sum up The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in three words, what would they be?

Long lost wisdom

Any additional comments?

A personal creed from this stoic emperor who reigned when Christianity was taking hold across the empire. A fascinating and gripping book

Wise and fascinating

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Fantastic listen, very insightful and full of wisdom. Probably in my top 10 must read books.

Insightful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
If only Marcus was alive today to see how people live, I'm sure he would have a few choice words to say.

A great Philosopher

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A wholly inspiring and life-changing book, with an amazing voice and command to present it!

A Life-Changing Philosophy

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Marcus have hit the nail on the head, the times and actors change on the stage we call life, but the script is still the same as for human nature haven't changed. Words written 100s of years ago still current today and applicable to modern life. Can recommend to anyone whom interested in more than just going through the motions in life, if most powerful man in world at his time have found reason and humility, it is perhaps a good lesson to us all.

Throughout the centuries the words still ring true.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews