Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor from AD 161 to 180, is renowned for his just rule at home and for his long frontier wars. But his lasting claim to fame rests on the work known as the Meditations - a bedside book of reflections and self-admonitions composed in Greek (the language of philosophy) during his last years and partly while on campaign. These sparse notes, intended for the author's eyes alone, give unique access to the mind of an ancient ruler; they also contain many passages of pungent epigram and poetic imagery. In this study, Dr Rutherford seeks to make the Meditations more approachable to the modern reader by explaining the historical and philosophical background, charting the main themes and tendencies of Marcus' thought, and relating stylistic detail to the intellectual and moral outlook of the author.

The Meditations of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius are perhaps the most readable exposition of the great system of practical philosophy known as Stoicism. Stoics maintained that by overcoming passions, self-indulgence and unjust thoughts, and performing duty with a right disposition, man could acquire virtue and live at one with Nature.

  The Meditations were composed in periods of inaction during the wars which Marcus hated, but was compelled to fight. 'His life was the noblest commentary on the precepts of Zeno... He was severe to himself, indulgent to the imperfection of others, just and beneficent to all mankind'. (Edward Gibbon)

This is a new translation that will commend itself to the modern world.