MEDITATIONS

Living wisely, living well.

Today, maybe more than ever, we need Marcus Aurelius (121-180 C.E.). Emperor, warrior, statesman, and philosopher, he was the author of this guide to life that is based on the principles of stoicism. The ancient Stoics held that human beings needed to transcend their earthly wants and selfish goals and serve humankind itself. Marcus wrote: “In so far as I am the emperor Marcus Aurelius, my home city is Rome. In so far as I am a human being, my home city is the world. What benefits these two cities—that alone is the good I pursue.” Learned Roman that he was, Marcus wrote this work not in Latin but in Greek, and certain Greek words take on resonances far beyond their dictionary meaning. He uses the word “logos” to mean not simply “word,” but rather the guiding spirit we share with the divine. As for “psyche,” he has it evoke its root sense: breath, spirit, soul. Poochigian translates Marcus’ Greek into fluent, colloquial English, at times making the emperor sound like your favorite college professor, at times your therapist. “Stubbornly focus every instant…on doing what is at hand with conscientious and unaffected dignity, kindness, freedom, and justice….Don’t you see how few things a person has to master in order to live a harmonious and pious life?” And then there is the kicker: “To a person who sees everything arrive in its due season as good…death is not a big deal.” This work has been pushing people to live well for two millennia. Now, all we must do is read it again. This new translation makes Marcus’ advice hit home in an English of unaffected dignity.

A classic work of philosophical advice, rendered into our vivid modern vernacular.