Book Review: ‘Marcus Aurelius Meditations: the annotated edition’

I decided to read this annotated edition of the private philosophical notebooks of the Second-Century Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121–180 C.E.), having shortly beforehand abandoned a non-annotated edition. For anyone not intimately familiar with the rival classical philosophies of Stoicism and Epicurianism, translator and editor Robin Waterfield’s annotations are invaluable in helping the reader fathom what on earth Marcus Aurelius is journaling about.

The twelve notebooks comprising what is now commonly referred to as Marcus Aurelius’s ‘Meditations’ were never intended for publication. They provide unique insights into the philosophical mind of the man who was, at the time, most powerful human being in the Western World. Marcus used these notebooks to brainstorm and rehearse philosophical arguments about the best way to live one’s life. Inevitably, perhaps, there is considerable repetition as he explores and attempts to re-enforce ideas in his own mind.

Although some of Marcus’s views are unacceptable to modern readers, they were in line with contemporary thinking, and the man who emerges from these meditations comes across as a decent, extremely thoughtful human being. As he urges himself at one point:

Don’t act as though you were going to live for ten thousand years. Fate is hanging over your head. While you live—while you can—be a good man.

If you have ever been tempted to read this famous book, I would strongly suggest this annotated version is the one to read.