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Books : The Emperor's Handbook: A New Translation of The Meditations

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by: Marcus Aurelius

 : The Emperor's Handbook: A New Translation of The Meditations

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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 188
EAN: 9780743233835
ISBN: 0743233832
Label: Scribner
Manufacturer: Scribner
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 160
Publication Date: November 05, 2002
Publisher: Scribner
Release Date: November 05, 2002
Studio: Scribner
Sales Rank: 110771




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Product Description:
BEAR IN MIND THAT THE

MEASURE OF A MAN IS THE WORTH OF THE THINGS HE CARES ABOUT.

IF IT IS GOOD TO SAY OR DO

SOMETHING, THEN IT IS

EVEN BETTER TO BE CRITICIZED FOR

HAVING SAID OR DONE IT.

ARE MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

HEALTHY AND ROBUST? ON THIS HANGS EVERYTHING.


Essayist Matthew Arnold described the man who wrote these words as "the most beautiful figure in history." Possibly so, but he was certainly more than that. Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire at its height, yet he remained untainted by the incalculable wealth and absolute power that had corrupted many of his predecessors. Marcus knew the secret of how to live the good life amid trying and often catastrophic circumstances, of how to find happiness and peace when surrounded by misery and turmoil, and of how to choose the harder right over the easier wrong without apparent regard for self-interest.

The historian Michael Grant praises Marcus's book as "the best ever written by a major ruler," and Josiah Bunting, superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, calls it "the essential book on character, leadership, duty." Never intended for publication, the Meditations contains the practical and inspiring wisdom by which this remarkable emperor lived the life not of a saintly recluse, but of a general, administrator, legislator, spouse, parent, and judge besieged on all sides.

The Emperor's Handbook offers a vivid and fresh translation of this important piece of ancient literature. It brings Marcus's words to life and shows his wisdom to be as relevant today as it was in the second century. This book belongs on the desk and in the briefcase of every business executive, political leader, and military officer. It speaks to the soul of anyone who has ever exercised authority or faced adversity or believed in a better day.



Customer Reviews
Average Rating:  out of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Handbook for an Emperor
This translation by the Hicks brothers brings a classic to life.

I have an earlier translation, but many entries are so convoluted I can't even understand what they say, let alone what they mean.

Now with this new translation I feel I'm reading Marcus Aurelius' actual notes to himself, the thoughts of a great emperor reflecting on God, the Universe, society, and man himself. Many entries were written during campaigns where Marcus fought alongside his men.
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Rating: 2 out of 5 stars - A mediocre translation of a great book
This review is of the translation, not of the work (which I would rate 5 stars).

The translation in "The Emperor's Handbook" is probably more readable to a general audience than the much more accurate Loeb Classical Library translation, but the writing has been spun into soundbites. Marcus Aurelius did not write in soundbites. This results in a punchier work that is more accessible yet unfortunately shallower as well. The tone of a man writing for his own edification is turned into ... Read More



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Emperors book of wisdom
This book will give you the rare opportunity to read a book of wisdom written by a Roman Emperor. Marcus Aurelius was a well liked emperor you lived from 120 A.D. to 180 A.D. ruling in the late part of his life. The book's theme is to live your life in balance with the universe. Do your duty and fulfill the role the "Gods" put you on earth to do. Let reason be your master always doing what is beneficial to all. Do not sin because you only sin against yourself. Why worry about correcting others behaviors ... Read More



Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - Timeless Wisdom For All People
Here in this book are the age old ideals and philosophies that inspired great peoples throughout the world and many of those who faught for and formed the foundations of America. These are not new ideas, even at the time of this rulers ponderings, but are concepts that have been handed down by the wisest of individuals in one form or another from time immemorial.

If only we the frail creatures of Gods providence would walk towards this wisdom, rather than away from it as we seem to be doing ... Read More



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - One of the most significant books in my life
Obviously, one may think the tag line is a bit of a dramatization, but it is not.

This collection of verses speaks to the timeless wisdom Aurelius distilled while at war. Truly a philosopher well beyond his time, his successful attempt to expound stoic ideals and how they can be APPLIED is always inspiring.

My only word of caution is that where you are in life right now may not be the right time for you to read this book. I have bought over 15 copies and given them out to close friends ... Read More

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