MeditationsMeditations
Score Classic
What it's about
Written in Greek by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, never meant for publication, the Meditations are private notes on how to live: on virtue, reason, death, leadership and staying calm in the face of what we can't control. They range from doubt and despair to conviction and joy.
Why it's worth reading
It's the most widely read work of Stoic philosophy and has guided readers for nearly two thousand years.
You'll love it if you liked
Man's Search for Meaning
The Art of War
The PrinceGood to know
Translation matters; Gregory Hays' modern version is very readable. It's best read a few pages at a time.
By the numbers
- Readers83 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller36 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
Reads as
Thought-provoking
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Quick answers
Is Meditations worth reading?
Yes. It's the most widely read work of Stoic philosophy and has guided readers for nearly two thousand years. It ranks #997 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 73.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Meditations about?
Written in Greek by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, never meant for publication, the Meditations are private notes on how to live: on virtue, reason, death, leadership and staying calm in the face of what we can't control. They range from doubt and despair to conviction and joy.
How long does it take to read Meditations?
About 8 hours (304 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Meditations?
If you liked it, try Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, The Art of War by Sun Tzu or The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli.