How To Read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations (the greatest book ever written)
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- čas přidán 24. 01. 2021
- 2,000 years ago the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote his thoughts in a private journal that has stood the test of time. Meditations is a timeless book that was never intended for publication, but for the purification and guidance of its author. Understanding how and why Marcus wrote Meditations is essential to reading it. In this video, Ryan breaks down how to find insight and wisdom in a book that has altered his entire outlook on life.
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Stoicism is a practical philosophy. The main thinkers that the Daily Stoic focuses on in stoicism are Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. The Daily Stoic is a guide to how to practice Stoicism in your daily life, the daily routines of Stoicism, and is a practical guide to Stoicism. This channel is Stoicism 101, it will tell you what Stoicism is and how to be a Stoic. Ryan Holiday has been practicing stoicism and writing about stoicism for more than a decade and his insights will give you guidance to practicing stoicism in your day to day life.
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“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
― Marcus Aurelius , Meditations
This is something that the current culture forgets or never learned.
That includes stoic opinions....and marcus aurelius perspectives...
what if we hear a scientific fact
@@Chiplanay then i would but that quote isn’t really accurate because some things we hear is actually a fact but he says EVERYTHING we hear is an opinion not fact
@@mycrazylife408 then scientific fact is not an opinion. Science is an objective fact, never subjective.
I'm starting to get the impression that Ryan is a Marcus Aurelius fan.
A geeky celebrity crush I'd say! But who can blame Ryan?
Guilty
@@DailyStoic I'm glad.
No way... 😜
I see him as a father figure.
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
What does mean
🔥🔥
@@tommurgatroyd7664 what does it to mean
@@criptik5208 The best way to deal with someone being rude, aggressive or stupid is to not be like that yourself. Instead of fighting fire with fire, try the opposite. It doesn’t matter if somebody is behaving badly if we focus on our own good behaviour rather than their lack of it
@@tommurgatroyd7664 like if our nieghbour is trying to act tough disturbingbus fighting ratjer than fighting back just lawsuite them back
its so hard to fathom how lucky we are that this book survived the millennium and found it's way to the new world
Now imagine the books that didn't made it
@@Rard. There's no accident.
I mean its prob not exactly wot he wrote but quite similair
@@chriswashingtonbeats Why? This seems like pure speculation of a CZcams commenter. I think these diaries were preserved by various people over time and eventually translated. If someone can speak Koine Greek then they can get a good understanding of what he is saying, there may be excerpts that are 100% identical, because some words and phrases are the same in different languages (cognates).
@@marshallmccord1352 ure right about all of that lol
The fact that this book was written without the intention of ever being published says it all. It is a man contemplating on the virtues of the universe and how to become a better person. Truly a masterpiece.
When things were at their very worst:
2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy.
The first sign - the Earth will spin faster.
The second sign concerns the sun, which will loom larger, brighter and begin to spin.
Scientists will say it was a global illusion.
Beaware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again.
After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way.
Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet
- will seem to rise from the dead
- will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one.
One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist.
Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent.
- banking collapse was deliberately masterminded by the Antichrist
- Antichrist will step in and create a false peace in the state of Israel by joining them with palestine in an unlikely alliance.
- „He will recite extracts from My Teachings, which he will passionately proclaim from every secular stage in the world, until people sit up and take notice of him.“
The Book of Truth
mdmlastprophet.com/the-time-for-the-schism-in-the-church-is-almost-here-and-you-must-get-prepared-now/
mdmlastprophet.com/the-schism-in-my-church-will-be-broken-into-different-stages/
@@josephka5149 would you suggest reading this book if you’re Christian?
@@ethos762 This book doesnt betray any christian doctrine so in my opinion you should give it a try, its a good book to make you grow and you can even make comparations with christianity.
Useless book....in this 22 mins havn't found anything useful. If you fight evil with good...you will never ever succeed. Never. Book is full of bullshit
But was it not obvious that after his death, someone will find it and read it?
Just yesterday I finished reading it, and I had the impression that this is not the kind of book you read, it's the kind of book you re-read
True that.
I was amazed at how much more I took from this book when I read it a second time, 5 years after the first time. I agree with you.
I have read this book at least 6 times. I read it when I need it.
Interestingly, as I understand it, Aurelius wrote these thought so he could indeed keep them and re-read them periodically
I'm on my 4th read now, it really is a book that grows with you. I'll probably be revisiting it until I die
“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
WOW. That one sentence gives me more power than I ever thought I could have. Brilliant
"Im too drunk to taste this chicken" - Col. Sanders
Powerful, elegant, timeless
The problem is when we think for longer than needed.
@@downfalls_high666 fear is the mindkiller
So if someone rapes your daughter the pain is not due to the thing itself but your estimate of it? So chill don't worry it's just a rape she probably enjoyed it 🤷🏻 no wonder the barbarians smashed him up.
“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together,but do so with all your heart.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
What translation is this from?
@@mwmwmw3885Hammond
I am very frotunate for having been born in Greece, and being able to read this book in its prototype text, of hellenistic greek. The meanings are so condensed and the language so simple and laconic, but what is being told touches you so deeply. I truly feel like I hold in my hands an invaluable piece
Oh how beautiful are our Greco, Roman ancestors x
@@Thehermitist They, like humans in general, did beautiful things and truly horrific things.
I don't know how many languages you speak but did you find translations trustworthy in general?
‘Frot•unate’, ‘Greece’. ..I see no mistakes here 😏
@@defaultytuserI’m going to assume this is just about English language translations, but they are generally trustworthy as a rule. Only scholars and academics really debate the exact nuance of the meaning. And this is often down to the difference between why an author chose to render a verb in one specific tense or mood over another. Nothing that would fundamentally redefine how you read the text in English.
I study Greek and Latin at translation at university for reference.
Ryan's really animated in this video, his passion for the material shows
Does being animated about it hurt my stoic cred?
@@DailyStoic Not at all, it shows a deep love for the philosophy and a willingness to pursue it
Ha, totally.
No, I think it's good to see open positive expressions about things, it helps me to see Stoicism as a frame work or discipline that is learned and applied not an absolute or personality trait that I can frequently fail to live up to.
It's a very hard job.
Problem: Life is warfare.
Solution: Acceptance, tolerance, do the right thing, and help others.
Great life lessons!
A greater mind said "tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society" he was smarter than the guy who got crushed by savage barbarians.
Marcus Aurelius had this marvelous ability to tap into the most desirable and honorable character traits of human nature. He did this with genuine conviction. How fortunate we are to have the opportunity to learn from him.
truth 💪
A friend pointed this out to me:
“Meditations is one of the masterful works that gets better with time -and- with each read. The more you experience in life, the more the words resonate.”
well thats what the guy says in this video... so not your friend
This book came at such a perfect time in my life
Sameee
any time is the perfect time brother
when the student is ready, the master will appear so they say 👍🏻
Likewise!!!!!!
I just wanted to say a profound "Thanks Ryan", you introduced me to stoicism at a much needed time … on multiple levels. I still have a long ways to go, but even a modicum of inner peace and gratitude these days is a true treasure.
Thanks again for introducing me to this book Ryan. I found it at a very vital time in my life thanks to you. Keep up the good work man.
Machiavellism, Stoicism, Buddism, Taoism - I love them all!
Nice balance of western and eastern
@@spiritualneutralist2597 yes indeed :)
Bruh... machiavelli... bruh...
@@sheparoshepherd3891 you have to throw the ego a few bread crumbs....🤷🏾♂️
@@spiritualneutralist2597 stoicism, Buddhism, and Taoism are totally compatible with machiavelli!!!
Ryan, U have literally changed me by introducing Stoic Philosophy and by reading your books. I thank you so much.
🙏🙌
Congrats 🎈 “what a journey that has begun for you”
If only there were more of us
Amazing message. Thank you, Ryan, for posting and for all your efforts through the years in bringing this masterpiece to a new generation of readers. Keep up the great work.
Fantastic video Ryan. Thank you for sharing your love of Marcus and his wisdom.
I've read this book 3 times and go back to it once a day to read sentences that I've highlighted. This book goes everywhere I go literally.
Same. It's in my book bag that I take with me to work everyday.
Plzzz give yr thought.. what u liked most about this book 😔😔
@@_.Arif. never complain about anything, take whatever situation has fallen upon you and make the best of it no matter how bad or good it is.
The Hays version?
@@caiovinicius5204 yes sir
Wow, I'm rapidly becoming a huge fan of this important channel. Great work.
THANK YOU! I bought this book and waited a bit to read it, I was PRECISELY waiting for this video to exist
You did change my life with your The Obstacle is the way book back in 2015. And now here I am again ready to become a better me as you've mentioned in this video.
Thanks for being such a great human being and sharing your thoughts.
Your passion for the subject is contagious.
I can't describe how grateful I'm to watch this video. Particularly now, with all my battles and thoughts.
Thanks Ryan. At the very least I felt inspired.
Been following for years and your video quality still increases!! Love how precise you talk and simultaneously easy it is to understand💪🏻💪🏻 huge respect
Im 19. I worked in a used book shop last year, found this book, and was compelled to take it home. When I began reading it, I struggled to get through it as any child would. Today I discovered this video on my home page and remembered I had this book at home. (I can’t remember whos/what translation) This video has inspired me to try again and again and again and I now understand what it was I took home that day. When I have some wiggle room between school work I plan to follow this advice to annotate and never stop rereading.
Ive had the book for a while but struggled to read it and understand it with a flow. Thank you for this. Just perfect for my current situation
I’ve gotten over my fear of writing in a book. Books are not stagnant and was never meant to be. Thank you for showing me this!
I’ve been read this book so many times and always get a new impression , thanks.
My goodness! You hold such treasure in your hands. Words never cease to amaze me nor the minds behind their composition.
Been wanting to read this for years now but always seem distracted by one thing or another. I bought the Gregory Hays version based on your recommendation and will be reading soon. Your enthusiasm for the subject is contagious, thank you for the advice.
I think Ryans admiration of Marcus Aurelius is just what I needed. It reminded me how important it is to have somebody to look up to... but more importantly Marcus Aurelius reminds me how important it is to strive to be a better person.
So stoked & excited learning about Stoicism! I’m 54 & my whole perspective has changed…..thank you so much for all your work, Ryan 😊
I'm starting to think that Ryan Holiday is a genius, and I'm grateful for all the scholarly work he's done, these videos he's posting, and the books he's written. I'm very grateful for all he's doing. I wish I had access to all this and/or known about this years ago, when I was younger. It would have been very useful.
Never thought an ancient book can make your heart beat this fast.
Bought the book earlier today because of this video, The Obstacle is the Way has been a catalyst in my life. I recommend it to everyone. I’ve always wanted to read the books Ryan read to have such great insight. So this will be the beginning of that journey. Thank you ✌🏽
Wow man. Thank you so much for helping look at this book completely different. Much love
This is very a very helpful discussion. I loved this: “People suck” but we can’t abandon each other. Excellent!
I use the words of Marcus Aurelius to calm me and direct me. Marcus was a wise philosopher. It has given me structure and helped me deal with anxiety and decision-making.
Uff, this channel is a divine calling for me. glad I discovered this stoic channel, Thank you. Hope this helps me to inculcate a stoic mindset to gently surf through the trials and tribulations of life.
Love your work. Keep Spreading the light brother!
So happy u have explained it’s a book u grow with. Remember rules when he was 40. So he wrote this in his later years. Over 19 years.
He was educated, grew and learnt from people he admired and watched the darkness of life and people around him. It didn’t make him bitter. It made him grow. We are blessed to have his written words. As we can and should all relate x
I just want to say that I really love your book "The obstacle is the way" and I listen to it regularly
I have studied Buddhism and Tao for many, many years and in the past couple of years Stoicism, and I am finding such a similarity in all of these philosophies. I love your channel and I truly appreciate your teachings. I lead meditation classes for a cancer non profit organization and I have recently started my own you tube channel for my few, but valuable clients. I attempt to speak and share the teachings of acceptance, tolerance and the understanding of how every one of us will experience loss, illness and and death. I also speak of connection and compassion. Thank you for all that you do! Your passion is most evident.
This one video impacted my life more than 4 years of high-school. Thank you Mr. Holiday.
My life in 2022 is changing and I am happy to say that this channel is part of the change. Thank you.
More than half way through the book, it’s great but definitely very challenging read (a lot is going right over my head) so huge thanks for this.
From a reader to a reader it was intensely opening to sense how you read. Thank you for inside your mind on a book that made us all go inside ours and wonder how HE, the greats, and the everydayers get along.
Read John Adams
I had no idea!!!! Obviously I've heard of Marcus Aurelius but I guess I didn't know how his thoughts and words could apply so perfectly to my own life. Definitely reading this!! Great video!!
ahhhhh THANK YOU! I was just going to hop on amazon and buy a book and i was WONDERING how it would read. I'm glad I saw this first.
It's works like this that should be taught in our schools. It's a shame how our society is devolving. Great video
“ Dwell on the beauty of life, look at the starts see yourself running with them” -Marcus Aurelius
I just discovered this channel, and I'm so grateful.
What an outstanding video. Your passion is amazing. I have watched most of your videos read most of your books but this video is one I come back to repeatedly. FWIW I have been reading Meditations for over 40 years.
“The mind without passions is a fortress. No place is more secure. Once we take refuge there we are safe forever. Not to see this is ignorance. To see it and not sick safety means misery.” Book 8
My favorite meditation from Marcus
Can you please explain the meaning of that to a dumb dumb such as myself?😊
Reading my brother’s copy while stuck at home in Ireland during the latest lockdown over here. Only on Book 7 but really enjoying and taking a lot from it so far.
where can I get the full version
Introduced to Marcus many years ago from Wayne Dyer. Today Robin Sharma and of course yourself have really put a great emphasis on his greatness and awesome writings. As always, thank you for sharing your great passion.
so grateful to stumble on to your amazing video of marcus aurelius’ meditations 🙏🏼☺️
Thank you for this. It’s a great book. I’m currently reading classic Greek philosophy but I’m also reading stoicism as well
When watching your videos, I can’t help but make a correlation between stoicism and Christianity. Thank you.
Great post! I'm happy I found your channel. You are enthusiastic, inspiring and informative. Much appreciation!
I follow you on TikTok!.. I was checking on CZcams if they have any audiobooks of Marcus Aurelius and here you pop up again and all I can say is WoW!!! I love your work
I can’t help but think he’d be flattered by how lasting his thoughts are
Thank you Ryan. Your passion for learning and what stoicism has been for you helped me immensely starting in January 2020. I hope to continue to grow and use it as one tool in my life box and as a voice in my mindset counsel. To new lessons in a soon to be messy 2021. May you all have peace of mind and Gods blessings
I really appreciate this video. I find this subject so amazing and its even more amazing and interesting to see how passionate you are about meditations. You really do an amazing job of portraying the beauty of the book. Personally, I am starting it right after I finish this video. All Love 😀
It seems I've finally got the algorithm perfectly tuned to recommend me THE BEST OF THE BEST. This is amazing.
You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this and you'll strength.
I did a meditation and asked my guides to tell me what i needed to know. I got the name Arelius pop into my mind. I searched it and got this video. It is exactly what i needed as I'm trying to learn how to master my mindset. Love how enthusiastic this guy is!
Meds, now.
@@aloneagain533 it is quite ironic that much of stoicism is dealing with people and attitudes such as yours.
I’m so glad I found you Ryan. Thank you. ❤️
am reading it for the first time this week, on book 4 and LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great show, Ryan
Thank you of this insightful video. I’ve been convinced of giving meditations a go. Looking forward to the kindle version from Hays coming out in 4 days. Until then I’ll download the sample of the Penguin version and read one page in the morning like you suggested in your other video 😁
I was talking with my motorcycle mechanic today and I observed that every problem or shortcoming that my motorcycle has makes me a better rider. When I heard the title of Ryan's book "The Obstacle is the Way" I immediately felt, "Yes, that's it!"
Totally!! Not a mechanic but a simple rider. Such an emporwerment to overcome difficulties.
I’ve recently purchased the penguin classics version of Marcus Aurelius Meditations. This book is life changing. I’m so glad I found your channel. Wow this book !!!!!
Thank you for the video. Just finisher obstacle is the way, meditations and guide to a good life. Love it and will continue read more.
I feel like thousands of books like this existed in the old library of Alexandria, imagine where we’d be if that didn’t burn down
This thought plagues me also....I think of all the scientific discoveries that went up in smoke!
Its arguably one of histories greatest tragedies.
Same with ancient Baghdad
We'd know about the Atlanteans and the other advanced civilizations that came before
@@denisegiannakis5667 it's not even just scientific. It's philosophical, financial, world events, etc.
This video reinvigorated me into finishing my first read of the mediations. I previously felt that Marcus always repeated the same thing so i stopped at book 6-7. Now I'm committed into finishing it.
Dear Ryan,
I am a huge fan, thanks so much for making Stoicism accessible, you book the Obstacle is the Way change my life. I read it at the lowest point in my life 8 months ago, and now I have earned every think back. I credit my practice if Stoicism, and you teaching it to me, for my literally turning my problems into advantages. I read the Alexander/ mule driver quote from Meditations at my grandmother’s funeral, and I did follow your advice of reading the Modern Library translation (you gave that good advice often) and from this video I will take notes onMeditations, which I have throughly been reading already, after being recommended to me by my Christian pastor and my boss when I struggled. I saw your email about how pre-ordering books really helped authors, so I will absolutely pre-order book 2 your new series and buy book 1 too. Keep writing books, making videos, and doing interviews. Get out of that warm bed in the morning, because you have life-changing work to do as the most prolific 21st century popularizer of Stoicism and you have Your children to prioritize spending time with above all else.
Great video! I really love your passion for this work. I've become a Marcus Aurelius fan, too!
wildly helpful video thank you!
No problem
🔥 Agreed
I’m not a massive practicing Stoic or anything but these Meditations are one of the audiobooks I have on my phone for if I’m at work and I need to get negative thoughts out of my mind or just be in a better mood.
I couldn't have found your channel at a better time. Thank you.
I always bring the book with me aswell, the inspiration and grounding i get from it is immesurable, priceless wisdom. Such a strong man, a true philosopher king 👑
Thanks for this inspiring video. It is right, books like this you have to re-read many times. For me Meditation is an important book, but not in the same degree with books from Epictetus, Seneca or even Cicero. I take with me rather Cicero's "On Obligations" while working abroad, which motivates me.
I kind of like the older translation using terms like thou, gives it a far deeper feeling than using contemporary words. It is no doubt more mentally taxing but for me the words resonate better in your soul.
Definitely agree. The newer version seems too modern. It lacks weight.
I am so amazed by the stoicism philosophy. I was meant to see these video. Much appreciated. I'm gonna start studying it this new year! 😀❤
Thank you for this video, Ryan. Appreciate it!
In September of 2022 I travelled to Rome for the first time. I saw it all - Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and more... but nothing moved me more than sitting at the base of the The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza del Campidoglio.
Did you go into the museum nearby and see the original statue though? It’s remarkably well preserved.
I was introduced to Meditatons through a movie called Acts of Vengeance, starring Antonio Banderas. Even though the film was straight to Netflix, the plot was a solid one and through the story, there were lessons based on the book, especially where it says "the best revenge to defeat your enemy is not be like him".
I couldn't help it, and I bought my copy from Half Priced bookstore in Plano TX. Since then, I've read the book at least four times, and every so often, I will pull the book out of my personal library and reread it again, to freshen up with the wisdom that has become universally embraced.
Thanks so much for this video. It really helps getting some insight into Marcus Aurelius readings
I purchased this book randomly while strolling through the bookstore. It is helping me immensely and I find myself annotating, and referring back to certain texts. I am slowly reading this book and devouring it slowly… something I haven’t done in years!
Just pre-ordered the Kindle version of Hays’ translation, for delivery on the Ides of March!
“Even if you’re going to live three thousand more years, or ten times that, remember: you cannot lose another life than the one you’re living now, or live another one than the one you’re losing”
That fireplace in the background made of books, is awesome!!!
We are so blessed that we can read his meditations 🙏
Learning how a man teaches himself is so much easier to follow then a man that teaches others. Regardless of the information you know its genuine. It’s amazing how a man can have so much power and only become wiser. Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus probably saved our world many times without our knowledge from the wisdom they have provided to the right person at the right time..
If I could invite any 10 people in history to a dinner party, they would probably be Marcus Aurelius and 9 Latin-English translators.
Wow, so much passion! What a great video...had no intentions on watching all the way through, and definitely didn't think I'd be running to Amazon to pick up a copy before the video was over!
How you dont have a million followers is beyond me , this channel is pure gold.