Did Marcus Aurelius write in Latin or Greek?
Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It is possible that large portions of the work were written at Sirmium, where he spent much time planning military campaigns from 170 to 180.
What language did Marcus Aurelius write Meditations in?
Greek
Latin literature …was written in Greek, the Meditations of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.
What is the best translation of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?
Gregory Hays
The best Meditations translation is by Gregory Hays. (Sign up for our free 7-day course on Stoicism to see our interview with Professor Hays). He writes in modern plain English and understands how to make Marcus’s words concise and fluid. It is highly recommended you first read the Hays translation.
Did Marcus Aurelius speak Latin?
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius spoke Latin and Greek. Latin was the common language of the Roman Empire for most of its existence. Further, Marcus Aurelius wrote his philosophical work, Meditations, in Greek.
Is meditations hard to read?
It’s very accessible, and it’s perfect as a gateway to Marcus Aurelius, or to Stoicism in general. I suggest you don’t skip the introduction. It will ground you with regard to Marcus’s life, and it’ll give you a lot of context on the Meditations. Second, go slow.
Who founded the philosophy of Stoicism?
Zeno of Citium
Stoicism takes its name from the place where its founder, Zeno of Citium (Cyprus), customarily lectured—the Stoa Poikile (Painted Colonnade). Zeno, who flourished in the early 3rd century bce, showed in his own doctrines the influence of earlier Greek attitudes, particularly those mentioned above.
Is Meditations hard to read?
What is the best version of Meditations book?
Gregory Hays’s translation is universally considered to be the best English translation. Just be sure to read the newer one, because he revised his original translation. I personally like The Emperor’s Handbook, a very readable translation of Meditations by David and Scot Hicks.
Was Marcus Aurelius a Stoic?
The second century CE Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was also a Stoic philosopher, and his Meditations, which he wrote to and for himself, offers readers a unique opportunity to see how an ancient person (indeed an emperor) might try to live a Stoic life, according to which only virtue is good, only vice is bad, and the …
Is Meditations a philosophy book?
Meditations is perhaps the most important source of our modern understanding of Stoic philosophy. Its twelve books chronicle different stages of Marcus Aurelius’ life and ideas. Presents the timeless wisdom of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his Stoic philosophy, with new research on his life and times.