How To Read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations (the greatest book ever written)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ม.ค. 2021
- 2,000 years ago the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote his thoughts in a private journal that has stood the test of time. Meditations is a timeless book that was never intended for publication, but for the purification and guidance of its author. Understanding how and why Marcus wrote Meditations is essential to reading it. In this video, Ryan breaks down how to find insight and wisdom in a book that has altered his entire outlook on life.
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Stoicism is a practical philosophy. The main thinkers that the Daily Stoic focuses on in stoicism are Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. The Daily Stoic is a guide to how to practice Stoicism in your daily life, the daily routines of Stoicism, and is a practical guide to Stoicism. This channel is Stoicism 101, it will tell you what Stoicism is and how to be a Stoic. Ryan Holiday has been practicing stoicism and writing about stoicism for more than a decade and his insights will give you guidance to practicing stoicism in your day to day life.
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Ryan Holiday has influenced the modern stoicism movement greatly. His books are read by modern stoicism's practitioners like Tim Ferriss, Robert Greene, and others.
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“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
― Marcus Aurelius , Meditations
This is something that the current culture forgets or never learned.
That includes stoic opinions....and marcus aurelius perspectives...
what if we hear a scientific fact
@@Chiplanay then i would but that quote isn’t really accurate because some things we hear is actually a fact but he says EVERYTHING we hear is an opinion not fact
@@mycrazylife408 then scientific fact is not an opinion. Science is an objective fact, never subjective.
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
What does mean
🔥🔥
@@tommurgatroyd7664 what does it to mean
@@criptik5208 The best way to deal with someone being rude, aggressive or stupid is to not be like that yourself. Instead of fighting fire with fire, try the opposite. It doesn’t matter if somebody is behaving badly if we focus on our own good behaviour rather than their lack of it
@@tommurgatroyd7664 like if our nieghbour is trying to act tough disturbingbus fighting ratjer than fighting back just lawsuite them back
“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
WOW. That one sentence gives me more power than I ever thought I could have. Brilliant
"Im too drunk to taste this chicken" - Col. Sanders
Powerful, elegant, timeless
The problem is when we think for longer than needed.
@@downfalls_high666 fear is the mindkiller
So if someone rapes your daughter the pain is not due to the thing itself but your estimate of it? So chill don't worry it's just a rape she probably enjoyed it 🤷🏻 no wonder the barbarians smashed him up.
its so hard to fathom how lucky we are that this book survived the millennium and found it's way to the new world
Now imagine the books that didn't made it
@@Rard. There's no accident.
I mean its prob not exactly wot he wrote but quite similair
@@chriswashingtonbeats Why? This seems like pure speculation of a TH-cam commenter. I think these diaries were preserved by various people over time and eventually translated. If someone can speak Koine Greek then they can get a good understanding of what he is saying, there may be excerpts that are 100% identical, because some words and phrases are the same in different languages (cognates).
@@marshallmccord1352 ure right about all of that lol
I'm starting to get the impression that Ryan is a Marcus Aurelius fan.
A geeky celebrity crush I'd say! But who can blame Ryan?
Guilty
@@DailyStoic I'm glad.
No way... 😜
I see him as a father figure.
The fact that this book was written without the intention of ever being published says it all. It is a man contemplating on the virtues of the universe and how to become a better person. Truly a masterpiece.
When things were at their very worst:
2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy.
The first sign - the Earth will spin faster.
The second sign concerns the sun, which will loom larger, brighter and begin to spin.
Scientists will say it was a global illusion.
Beaware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again.
After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way.
Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet
- will seem to rise from the dead
- will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one.
One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist.
Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent.
- banking collapse was deliberately masterminded by the Antichrist
- Antichrist will step in and create a false peace in the state of Israel by joining them with palestine in an unlikely alliance.
- „He will recite extracts from My Teachings, which he will passionately proclaim from every secular stage in the world, until people sit up and take notice of him.“
The Book of Truth
mdmlastprophet.com/the-time-for-the-schism-in-the-church-is-almost-here-and-you-must-get-prepared-now/
mdmlastprophet.com/the-schism-in-my-church-will-be-broken-into-different-stages/
@@josephka5149 would you suggest reading this book if you’re Christian?
@@ethos762 This book doesnt betray any christian doctrine so in my opinion you should give it a try, its a good book to make you grow and you can even make comparations with christianity.
Useless book....in this 22 mins havn't found anything useful. If you fight evil with good...you will never ever succeed. Never. Book is full of bullshit
But was it not obvious that after his death, someone will find it and read it?
“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together,but do so with all your heart.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
What translation is this from?
@@mwmwmw3885Hammond
Problem: Life is warfare.
Solution: Acceptance, tolerance, do the right thing, and help others.
Great life lessons!
A greater mind said "tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society" he was smarter than the guy who got crushed by savage barbarians.
Just yesterday I finished reading it, and I had the impression that this is not the kind of book you read, it's the kind of book you re-read
True that.
I was amazed at how much more I took from this book when I read it a second time, 5 years after the first time. I agree with you.
I have read this book at least 6 times. I read it when I need it.
Interestingly, as I understand it, Aurelius wrote these thought so he could indeed keep them and re-read them periodically
I'm on my 4th read now, it really is a book that grows with you. I'll probably be revisiting it until I die
I am very frotunate for having been born in Greece, and being able to read this book in its prototype text, of hellenistic greek. The meanings are so condensed and the language so simple and laconic, but what is being told touches you so deeply. I truly feel like I hold in my hands an invaluable piece
Oh how beautiful are our Greco, Roman ancestors x
@@Thehermitist They, like humans in general, did beautiful things and truly horrific things.
I don't know how many languages you speak but did you find translations trustworthy in general?
‘Frot•unate’, ‘Greece’. ..I see no mistakes here 😏
@@defaultytuserI’m going to assume this is just about English language translations, but they are generally trustworthy as a rule. Only scholars and academics really debate the exact nuance of the meaning. And this is often down to the difference between why an author chose to render a verb in one specific tense or mood over another. Nothing that would fundamentally redefine how you read the text in English.
I study Greek and Latin at translation at university for reference.
A friend pointed this out to me:
“Meditations is one of the masterful works that gets better with time -and- with each read. The more you experience in life, the more the words resonate.”
well thats what the guy says in this video... so not your friend
Marcus Aurelius had this marvelous ability to tap into the most desirable and honorable character traits of human nature. He did this with genuine conviction. How fortunate we are to have the opportunity to learn from him.
truth 💪
Machiavellism, Stoicism, Buddism, Taoism - I love them all!
Nice balance of western and eastern
@@spiritualneutralist2597 yes indeed :)
Bruh... machiavelli... bruh...
@@sheparoshepherd3891 you have to throw the ego a few bread crumbs....🤷🏾♂️
@@spiritualneutralist2597 stoicism, Buddhism, and Taoism are totally compatible with machiavelli!!!
Ryan's really animated in this video, his passion for the material shows
Does being animated about it hurt my stoic cred?
@@DailyStoic Not at all, it shows a deep love for the philosophy and a willingness to pursue it
Ha, totally.
No, I think it's good to see open positive expressions about things, it helps me to see Stoicism as a frame work or discipline that is learned and applied not an absolute or personality trait that I can frequently fail to live up to.
It's a very hard job.
I use the words of Marcus Aurelius to calm me and direct me. Marcus was a wise philosopher. It has given me structure and helped me deal with anxiety and decision-making.
“The mind without passions is a fortress. No place is more secure. Once we take refuge there we are safe forever. Not to see this is ignorance. To see it and not sick safety means misery.” Book 8
My favorite meditation from Marcus
Can you please explain the meaning of that to a dumb dumb such as myself?😊
This book came at such a perfect time in my life
Sameee
any time is the perfect time brother
when the student is ready, the master will appear so they say 👍🏻
Likewise!!!!!!
This book always comes at the best time. Ive read it a good 6 or 7 times and every single time I read it it hits differently
I've read this book 3 times and go back to it once a day to read sentences that I've highlighted. This book goes everywhere I go literally.
Same. It's in my book bag that I take with me to work everyday.
Plzzz give yr thought.. what u liked most about this book 😔😔
@@_.Arif. never complain about anything, take whatever situation has fallen upon you and make the best of it no matter how bad or good it is.
The Hays version?
@@caiovinicius5204 yes sir
I can’t help but think he’d be flattered by how lasting his thoughts are
“ Dwell on the beauty of life, look at the starts see yourself running with them” -Marcus Aurelius
I’ve gotten over my fear of writing in a book. Books are not stagnant and was never meant to be. Thank you for showing me this!
When watching your videos, I can’t help but make a correlation between stoicism and Christianity. Thank you.
I feel like thousands of books like this existed in the old library of Alexandria, imagine where we’d be if that didn’t burn down
This thought plagues me also....I think of all the scientific discoveries that went up in smoke!
Its arguably one of histories greatest tragedies.
Same with ancient Baghdad
We'd know about the Atlanteans and the other advanced civilizations that came before
@@denisegiannakis5667 it's not even just scientific. It's philosophical, financial, world events, etc.
I was talking with my motorcycle mechanic today and I observed that every problem or shortcoming that my motorcycle has makes me a better rider. When I heard the title of Ryan's book "The Obstacle is the Way" I immediately felt, "Yes, that's it!"
Totally!! Not a mechanic but a simple rider. Such an emporwerment to overcome difficulties.
Ryan, U have literally changed me by introducing Stoic Philosophy and by reading your books. I thank you so much.
🙏🙌
Congrats 🎈 “what a journey that has begun for you”
If only there were more of us
Im 19. I worked in a used book shop last year, found this book, and was compelled to take it home. When I began reading it, I struggled to get through it as any child would. Today I discovered this video on my home page and remembered I had this book at home. (I can’t remember whos/what translation) This video has inspired me to try again and again and again and I now understand what it was I took home that day. When I have some wiggle room between school work I plan to follow this advice to annotate and never stop rereading.
I think Ryans admiration of Marcus Aurelius is just what I needed. It reminded me how important it is to have somebody to look up to... but more importantly Marcus Aurelius reminds me how important it is to strive to be a better person.
I am in the progress of transcribing Meditations, and most importantly, not reading it dozens of times, but live by the wisdom, and understand it further with action. It is also wise to do this process with other works, and hopefully, you will be a more fully rounded person after a lifetime
You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this and you'll strength.
Your passion for the subject is contagious.
In September of 2022 I travelled to Rome for the first time. I saw it all - Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and more... but nothing moved me more than sitting at the base of the The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza del Campidoglio.
Did you go into the museum nearby and see the original statue though? It’s remarkably well preserved.
I did a meditation and asked my guides to tell me what i needed to know. I got the name Arelius pop into my mind. I searched it and got this video. It is exactly what i needed as I'm trying to learn how to master my mindset. Love how enthusiastic this guy is!
Meds, now.
@@aloneagain533 it is quite ironic that much of stoicism is dealing with people and attitudes such as yours.
It's works like this that should be taught in our schools. It's a shame how our society is devolving. Great video
I kind of like the older translation using terms like thou, gives it a far deeper feeling than using contemporary words. It is no doubt more mentally taxing but for me the words resonate better in your soul.
Definitely agree. The newer version seems too modern. It lacks weight.
Having spent more hours online than I would ever want to admit, this may be the most worthwhile 22 minutes. Thank you.
Never thought an ancient book can make your heart beat this fast.
“Even if you’re going to live three thousand more years, or ten times that, remember: you cannot lose another life than the one you’re living now, or live another one than the one you’re losing”
I just wanted to say a profound "Thanks Ryan", you introduced me to stoicism at a much needed time … on multiple levels. I still have a long ways to go, but even a modicum of inner peace and gratitude these days is a true treasure.
greatest choice I made in my life yet was to indulge myself into the way of the stoics. 2 years later I still practice what I preach but I am not perfect. the journey is the destination itself. god bless you all
"In making something so personal he ends, up creating something profoundly universal."
Reading my brother’s copy while stuck at home in Ireland during the latest lockdown over here. Only on Book 7 but really enjoying and taking a lot from it so far.
where can I get the full version
I took so many notes reading this book that I almost wrote it completely in my notepad 😂
I suspect I have written it all by hand as well
I hate when that happens. Callused, cramped fingers? I need the original text.
Yep. Because it is already summarized by Marcus
It’s hard to summarize his summary 😂
🤣😂🤣
hehe same I was highlighting like half of every page it seemed like
I will incorporate this into my son's homeschool curriculum.
what I learned from this video:
1.Meditation should be read more that once as there a tons of great insight in it that is not possible to get a grasp on by just readibg once
2.When reading highlight,write your thoughts using pen/pencil,write the ideas on a piece of paper-reflect
3.Think about the ideas.Talk about to other.Listen and compare opinions as it will help your understanding.
Learning how a man teaches himself is so much easier to follow then a man that teaches others. Regardless of the information you know its genuine. It’s amazing how a man can have so much power and only become wiser. Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus probably saved our world many times without our knowledge from the wisdom they have provided to the right person at the right time..
I have studied Buddhism and Tao for many, many years and in the past couple of years Stoicism, and I am finding such a similarity in all of these philosophies. I love your channel and I truly appreciate your teachings. I lead meditation classes for a cancer non profit organization and I have recently started my own you tube channel for my few, but valuable clients. I attempt to speak and share the teachings of acceptance, tolerance and the understanding of how every one of us will experience loss, illness and and death. I also speak of connection and compassion. Thank you for all that you do! Your passion is most evident.
This is the day i will start to change to be a better person because i got Meditation in my hands. As a student who has a financial problem, i am 100% sure this book is worth every penny and every minute of my life. I know Marcus Aurelius’s words will be lifetime valuable lesson.
And thank you for guiding me to this incredible journey of Stoicism🙏
One interesting thing about these Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca is that they were very powerful and rich men. It would be like Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk writing about how power and wealth doesn't matter. Personally I like Aristotle because he was straight up about saying hey wealth is nice. Power is kind of nice too. You don't want to overdo it, but you need some.
The first time I read meditations, it hit really hard Since I was a young child I was privileged to be my grandfather's grandson, a man who was significant enough to shape the landscape of the modern world. His friend Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed would call him El Aurens for fun. He would hand me a paintbrush and we would discuss philosophy and morality endlessly. When I read Meditations, it had felt as though I had read it a thousand times. It was familiar, as though it was a loved one I had thought of every day but had not seen for many years.
I recently read this with the mindfulness workbook on amz called 30 Days to Reduce Anxiety by Harper Daniels. It's so important to clear the mind of expectations and stressful things.
Some TH-camr has took his time to read us meditations in todays language and It's so easy to listen to I watch it every day for those who don't wanna listen to them old boring words .
Amazing message. Thank you, Ryan, for posting and for all your efforts through the years in bringing this masterpiece to a new generation of readers. Keep up the great work.
I can't describe how grateful I'm to watch this video. Particularly now, with all my battles and thoughts.
Thanks Ryan. At the very least I felt inspired.
This video changed my life, it started my obsession with marcus aurelius
We are so blessed that we can read his meditations 🙏
Ive had the book for a while but struggled to read it and understand it with a flow. Thank you for this. Just perfect for my current situation
Wow, I'm rapidly becoming a huge fan of this important channel. Great work.
Grant me the serenity to ACCEPT the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.
Fantastic video Ryan. Thank you for sharing your love of Marcus and his wisdom.
I just want to say that I really love your book "The obstacle is the way" and I listen to it regularly
More than half way through the book, it’s great but definitely very challenging read (a lot is going right over my head) so huge thanks for this.
I listen to these video for the 3rd time. And I understand more and differently over and over again
I’m so glad I found you Ryan. Thank you. ❤️
Been wanting to read this for years now but always seem distracted by one thing or another. I bought the Gregory Hays version based on your recommendation and will be reading soon. Your enthusiasm for the subject is contagious, thank you for the advice.
I’m not a massive practicing Stoic or anything but these Meditations are one of the audiobooks I have on my phone for if I’m at work and I need to get negative thoughts out of my mind or just be in a better mood.
It seems I've finally got the algorithm perfectly tuned to recommend me THE BEST OF THE BEST. This is amazing.
That fireplace in the background made of books, is awesome!!!
Thank you for this. It’s a great book. I’m currently reading classic Greek philosophy but I’m also reading stoicism as well
Bought the book earlier today because of this video, The Obstacle is the Way has been a catalyst in my life. I recommend it to everyone. I’ve always wanted to read the books Ryan read to have such great insight. So this will be the beginning of that journey. Thank you ✌🏽
Been following for years and your video quality still increases!! Love how precise you talk and simultaneously easy it is to understand💪🏻💪🏻 huge respect
You did change my life with your The Obstacle is the way book back in 2015. And now here I am again ready to become a better me as you've mentioned in this video.
Thanks for being such a great human being and sharing your thoughts.
Thank you Ryan. Your passion for learning and what stoicism has been for you helped me immensely starting in January 2020. I hope to continue to grow and use it as one tool in my life box and as a voice in my mindset counsel. To new lessons in a soon to be messy 2021. May you all have peace of mind and Gods blessings
I'm starting to think that Ryan Holiday is a genius, and I'm grateful for all the scholarly work he's done, these videos he's posting, and the books he's written. I'm very grateful for all he's doing. I wish I had access to all this and/or known about this years ago, when I was younger. It would have been very useful.
I’ve been read this book so many times and always get a new impression , thanks.
Thank you for this video, Ryan. Appreciate it!
This video reinvigorated me into finishing my first read of the mediations. I previously felt that Marcus always repeated the same thing so i stopped at book 6-7. Now I'm committed into finishing it.
Uff, this channel is a divine calling for me. glad I discovered this stoic channel, Thank you. Hope this helps me to inculcate a stoic mindset to gently surf through the trials and tribulations of life.
Brilliant, thank you for all you give Ryan.
THANK YOU! I bought this book and waited a bit to read it, I was PRECISELY waiting for this video to exist
Thank you of this insightful video. I’ve been convinced of giving meditations a go. Looking forward to the kindle version from Hays coming out in 4 days. Until then I’ll download the sample of the Penguin version and read one page in the morning like you suggested in your other video 😁
Just pre-ordered the Kindle version of Hays’ translation, for delivery on the Ides of March!
Also my favorite book to date. It’s so cool that you have all these different editions
What a great book this is, I had the opportunity of reading some of the passages while being at a rehab Clinic and it is just so amazing how naturally people sparked of joy when this was being read. Amazing way of meditating!
From a reader to a reader it was intensely opening to sense how you read. Thank you for inside your mind on a book that made us all go inside ours and wonder how HE, the greats, and the everydayers get along.
Read John Adams
I was introduced to Meditatons through a movie called Acts of Vengeance, starring Antonio Banderas. Even though the film was straight to Netflix, the plot was a solid one and through the story, there were lessons based on the book, especially where it says "the best revenge to defeat your enemy is not be like him".
I couldn't help it, and I bought my copy from Half Priced bookstore in Plano TX. Since then, I've read the book at least four times, and every so often, I will pull the book out of my personal library and reread it again, to freshen up with the wisdom that has become universally embraced.
I just discovered this channel, and I'm so grateful.
Love your work. Keep Spreading the light brother!
Thanks for this inspiring video. It is right, books like this you have to re-read many times. For me Meditation is an important book, but not in the same degree with books from Epictetus, Seneca or even Cicero. I take with me rather Cicero's "On Obligations" while working abroad, which motivates me.
This made me laugh thinking about the inner battle we all must have when Marcus encourages us to throw away our books.. hahaha great video Ryan
There is such a thing as too much of a good thing
I purchased this book randomly while strolling through the bookstore. It is helping me immensely and I find myself annotating, and referring back to certain texts. I am slowly reading this book and devouring it slowly… something I haven’t done in years!
I couldn't have found your channel at a better time. Thank you.
If I could invite any 10 people in history to a dinner party, they would probably be Marcus Aurelius and 9 Latin-English translators.
wildly helpful video thank you!
No problem
🔥 Agreed
I have read the cheap translation online and it changed my life!!! I cannot imagine what a good translation could do to me❤
My goodness! You hold such treasure in your hands. Words never cease to amaze me nor the minds behind their composition.
Its really an intense book.
I am going through my second read right now and even after multiple reads some findings click only after some time and processing it.
Yeah i know when i read a passage im like "yeah ok makes sense" then 4 months later i read it again and im like "oh shit now i acctually get it" Its the difference from learning something to "knowing" something
Marcus was and is worthy.
If reincarnation exists perhaps he knew him...which is why he's so moved.
Thank you for for this. About to start another read through myself!
so grateful to stumble on to your amazing video of marcus aurelius’ meditations 🙏🏼☺️
Marcus Aurelius had the most buttery kick flip in all of Rome