•  Meditations 06  •

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.

About Book 06

In this, "6th Book" of his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius reflects on reason, nature, and the disciplined inner life. He takes a broad view: the universe follows a rational order, not malice. Whether we see unity and providence or just scattered atoms, our task remains the same, that is, to act well in the present moment. Even death is just one of life’s acts, and it's enough to face it with dignity when it arrives.

A key theme is mastering the ruling principle within us. Our judgments, not outside events, disturb us. Things do not have power over our minds unless we allow it. True goodness lies in guiding and controlling ourselves according to our rational and social nature. Fame, pleasure, and even longevity fade quickly; only virtue stays constant. Living in harmony with reason and serving the common good is the measure of a truly human being.

Marcus calls for a simple view: strip away the glamour of appearances. See food as just something to eat, fine clothes as just dyed wool, and praise as just noise. This clarity shields us from illusion. He reminds us that everything is temporary; Asia and Europe are just small spots in the cosmos, and the present moment is merely a point in eternity. Many great figures have long been forgotten. What matters is to live with truth, justice, and kindness right now.

Accepting one’s situation does not mean being passive; it means working with the Whole intelligently. We are like bees in a hive; what harms the whole cannot be good for us. By honoring our rational mind and connecting it with universal reason, we find peace, strength, and freedom regardless of the circumstances.

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In the videobook you can follow the text of the Haines edition of "Meditations" book 06. Alternatively, those using the audiobook can find the text also on many places online, like Perseus Library or an English translation by George Long or C.R.Haines.

 

About the digital formats

Both the audio recording and the videobook contain the complete, unabridged Ancient Greek text of the 6th 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 or audio~ video formats on request.

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You can listen to three fragments of “the Meditations, book 06”, 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!

Download the sample mp3

ΤΩΝ ΕΙΣ ΕΑΥΤΟΝ 06

6.    Ἄριστος τρόπος τοῦ ἀμύνεσθαι τὸ μὴ ἐξομοιοῦσθαι.

11. Ὅταν ἀναγκασθῇς ὑπὸ τῶν περιεστηκότων οἱονεὶ διαταραχθῆναι, ταχέως ἐπάνιθι εἰς ἑαυτὸν καὶ μὴ ὑπὲρ τὰ ἀναγκαῖα ἐξίστασο τοῦ ῥυθμοῦ· ἔσῃ γὰρ ἐγκρατέστερος τῆς ἁρμονίας τῷ συνεχῶς εἰς αὐτὴν ἐπανέρχεσθαι.

14.  Τὰ πλεῖστα, ὧν ἡ πληθὺς θαυμάζει, εἰς γενικώτατα ἀνάγεται τὰ ὑπὸ ἕξεως ἢ φύσεως συνεχόμενα, λίθους, ξύλα, συκᾶς, ἀμπέλους, ἐλαίας· τὰ δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν ὀλίγῳ μετριωτέρων εἰς τὰ ὑπὸ ψυχῆς· οἷον ποίμνας, ἀγέλας ἢ κατὰ ψιλὸν τὸ πλῆθος ἀνδραπόδων κεκτῆσθαι. τὰ δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν ἔτι χαριεστέρων εἰς τὰ ὑπὸ λογικῆς ψυχῆς, οὐ μέντοι καθὸ λογική, ἀλλὰ καθὸ τεχνικὴ ἢ ἄλλως πως ἐντρεχής. ὁ δὲ ψυχὴν λογικὴν καὶ πολιτικὴν τιμῶν οὐδὲν ἔτι τῶν ἄλλων ἐπιστρέφεται, πρὸ ἁπάντων δὲ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν λογικῶς καὶ κοινωνικῶς ἔχουσαν καὶ κινουμένην διασῴζει καὶ τῷ ὁμογενεῖ εἰς τοῦτο συνεργεῖ.

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