[nikkisnow]

I've been reading "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy" by William B. Irvine and Marcus Aurelius is one of the 4 eminent Stoics featured in that book. His "Meditations" is referred to often. I've found the philosophy behind Stoicism to be very helpful in my day job coding and at managing a team. One of the most useful practices is knowing the difference between what you can control, what you have no control over at all, and those things that you have some but not complete control (i.e. I can play to the best of my ability in a tennis match but the outcome is not really up to me). It's incredible to think that Marcus was sick (with an ulcer, more than likely), his wife probably cheated on him, out of 14 children, only 6 survived, and he was emperor! And yet, when he died, their was a public outcry.

So, after reading "A Guide to the Good Life" and now that I've read your article, I'm definitely inclined to pick up "Meditations" for my next read. Thanks for the insights!

[redmaverick]

It's incredible to think that Marcus was sick (with an ulcer, more than likely), his wife probably cheated on him, out of 14 children, only 6 survived, and he was emperor!

It is incredible that someone with such wealth and power could remain deeply rational and humble. Gregory Hays translation is the best of the lot. If you are going through stressful and trying times, I would recommend reading any one page out of meditations. It will give you solace when life seems to be a battle against enormous odds.

The Enchiridion by Epictetus is very good. If you like Meditations, you would love this too.

[nikkisnow]

It is incredible that someone with such wealth and power could remain deeply rational and humble.

This is so true. And, from what I gather from the "A Guide..." book, Marcus wasn't much a fan of people (although, that may just be the interpretation of Irvine), which I think speaks to his great character to be loved by so many in spite of that.

Epictetus was another great Stoic philosopher, having been born a slave and yet live a "good" life (not even sure that needs quotes around good). That's another book to the "To Read" list; thank you!

[konstruktor]

I also loved the Guide to the Good Live, and would recommend using the following book as a practical, guided tour to the Meditations and Seneca's letters: http://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Serenity-Practical-Course-Findin...

[nikkisnow]

Thanks for the recommendation. Added it to my "To Read" list.

[treme]

Ryan Holidays recommends Gregory Hays's translation, and I forward you his recommendation. Found it much more digestible/resonating over the public domain ones.

[nikkisnow]

Thank you too for the recommendation. They actually have his translation at the Boston Public Library so I've placed it on hold.