• Meditations 04 •
• Marcus Aurelius Antoninus •
Duration: 39 mins 32 sec
Unabridged
Recorded: 2024
Price : $/€ 15 (audiobook) - $/€ 25 (videobook)
About the Meditations series
The "Meditations" (Greek title: Τῶν εἰς Ἑαυτόν) is a series of personal reflections and philosophical musings written by Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. The book is considered one of the greatest works of Stoic literature and provides insight into the emperor's personal beliefs and values. The reflections were written over a period of several years, primarily while Marcus was on military campaign, and cover a range of topics including death, the nature of existence, and the pursuit of wisdom and virtue.
In the fourth book the importance of aligning one's inner principles with nature is central. One's mind should adapt to circumstances and use challenges as opportunities for growth, akin to a fire consuming fuel to burn brighter. Every action should have a purpose and adhere to the principles of art.
Marcus Aurelius reflects on the common human desire for retreats and solitude, suggesting that true peace is found within oneself. He encourages regular introspection to maintain tranquility and contentment. He addresses discontentment with humanity, fate, and physical desires, advocating for acceptance and understanding of the nature of the universe and human behavior.
He underscores the transient nature of life and fame, urging focus on present actions rather than future praise and advises detachment from external opinions and material concerns, emphasizing that true harm comes only from within one's own judgment.
Aurelius also explores the interconnectedness of all beings, suggesting that humans are part of a larger political and rational community. He views death as a natural and untroubling process, part of the continual transformation inherent in the universe.
He concludes by highlighting the importance of simplicity, justice, and adherence to reason, warning against being distracted by unnecessary thoughts and actions. Life's brevity and the insignificance of human affairs in the grand scheme of time and the universe are recurrent themes, promoting a perspective of humility and focus on virtuous living.
In the video you can follow the opening text of "Meditations" book 04. Alternatively, those who prefer the audiobook edition can find many places online, like Perseus Library or an English translation by George Long.
About the digital formats
Both the audio recording and the videobook contain the complete, unabridged Ancient Greek text of the 4th book of the "Meditations" of Marcus Aurelius. After purchase you will be able to download the relevant mp3 audiobook a/o mp4 videobook file by clicking on the relevant green buttons. Translated captions in English; other languages on request.
You can listen to the first chapter of “the Meditations, book 04”, an audio sample of the present recording. Please, click on the play-button bellow and, if you wish, follow the Ancient Greek text lower on the page, or alternatively watch the video. Thank you!
ΤΩΝ ΕΙΣ ΕΑΥΤΟΝ 04
α΄. Τὸ ἔνδον κυριεῦον, ὅταν κατὰ φύσιν ἔχῃ, οὕτως ἕστηκε πρὸς τὰ συμβαίνοντα, ὥστε ἀεὶ πρὸς τὸ δυνατὸν καὶ διδόμενον μετατίθεσθαι ῥᾳδίως. ὕλην γὰρ ἀποτεταγμένην οὐδεμίαν φιλεῖ, ἀλλὰ ὁρμᾷ μὲν πρὸς τὰ προηγούμενα μεθ᾿ ὑπεξαιρέσεως· τὸ δὲ ἀντεισαγόμενον ὕλην ἑαυτῷ ποιεῖ, ὥσπερ τὸ πῦρ, ὅταν ἐπικρατῇ τῶν ἐπεμπιπτόντων, ὑφ᾿ ὧν ἂν μικρός τις λύχνος ἐσβέσθη· τὸ δὲ λαμπρὸν πῦρ τάχιστα ἐξῳκείωσεν ἑαυτῷ τὰ ἐπιφορούμενα καὶ κατηνάλωσεν καὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐκείνων ἐπὶ μεῖζον ἤρθη.
