Who recommends it
- Andrew CraigInterview
Most of the output of folks like Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Pink, Michael Lewis, Alain de Botton, Niall Ferguson. Any Stoic philosophy – e.g. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I’d also include Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl and Wild Swans by Jung Chang. I’d include lots of fiction too, of course, all the usual…
- David Heinemeier HanssonInterview
Probably the most powerful books I’ve read have been the great Stoic works. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, On The Shortness of Life by Seneca, and The Manual by Epictetus. They all revolve around the concept of separating perception and reaction, and I’ve found that level of control of your own mind very inspiring.
- Lindsay VarnumInterview
When I read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I was in crisis and a friend recommended it. The beauty of the writing enchanted me and I was moved by both the mundane and not-so-mundane struggles of this man, at the time the most powerful on earth. I was inspired by him and as I learned more about Stoicism and began to…
- Simon DrewInterview
I don’t really have a routine, but I do make sure that I highlight every passage that inspires me or teaches me something valuable. This actually becomes a problem in books like Meditations by Marcus Aurelius where I am basically highlighting every sentence, but it usually helps me when I come back to the book a…
- Jules EvansInterview
At 16, I needed to learn to accept myself and rely less on the approval of others. So…maybe Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. But I think I had that book at 16! At 25, I’d honestly have given myself my own book, Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations. Not because I’m a total egotist, but because that book…
- Daniel OppenheimerInterview
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It forms the basis of my personal moral philosophy.
- Ryan HolidayInterview
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It is the private thoughts of the world’s most powerful man giving advice to himself on how to make good on the responsibilities and obligations of his positions. Trained in Stoic philosophy, Marcus stopped almost every night to practice a series of spiritual exercises—reminders…
- Massimo PigliucciInterview
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It is the famous personal diary of one of the so-called Five Good Emperors of Rome. Not only it is a rare look into the mind of a ruler who lived two thousand years ago, it has been in print ever since the invention of the printing press because it is a priceless guide to…
- Annelise OsborneInterview
Marcus Aerelius’ Meditations was the best book I’ve read in the last six months. Someone had recommended it and it inspired me.
- Aaron PoochigianInterview
I am proud to say that, when asked what my career is, I can say, with confidence, a poet. I do teach a few classes. I do translations, sometimes prose, as with the Meditations. Still, at the end of the day, I am a poet. Usually, after saying that my career is making poetry, the questioner goes on to ask, “How do you…
- Patrick AllanInterview
Marcus Aurelius’ musings on Stoic philosophy in his book Meditations changed my life. It really got me thinking about my perspective on the world. His wise words helped me understand what aspects of my life I can control, and what I cannot.
Often recommended alongside
Man’s Search for Meaning
1984
The Great Gatsby
Think and Grow Rich
How to Change Your MindMore books by Marcus Aurelius our guests recommend
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