Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy.★ Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement.★ These books have been carefully adapted into Modern English to allow for easy reading. ✓ENJOY Read more

From the bestselling author of Silk Road comes a sweeping action epic about the lost legion of Carrhae. Set against a sprawling canvas of Parthia, the Han dynasty, the Seven Seas of ancient Arab traders, and Rome in the last days of the Republic, this is historical adventure on a breathtaking scale.Roman Empire, 53BC: In the wake of catastrophic defeat at the battle of Carrhae, Roman tribune, Valerius, is taken prisoner at the far reaches of the Parthian Empire. It is the ends of the earth, and he vows to somehow find a way home.In Rome, Pompey and Caesar battle for absolute power in the last days of the Republic, and senators plot to take sides as the city convulses into riot and civil war. No one is safe.Valerius soon realises that if he ever does find his way back, his problems will be far from over. Dark secrets will not stay buried. Politics and intrigue bend to no man. And standing between him and his wife is the man who abandoned him to die on the battlefield.'Blazing with adventure, epic in scope, and utterly compulsive.' Waterstone’s UK.'Moves along at a cracking pace, the narrative fraught with action and tension at every turn.' Bookmuse.'Falconer's grasp of period and place is almost flawless. He's my kind of writer.' The Australian.Experience the Epic Adventure SeriesThrilling journeys through vividly imagined worlds, heart pounding action and unforgettable characters.Multi-bestselling stand-alone tales that can be read in any order.30,000+ five-star reviews.Part thriller. Part history. All adventure. Read more

Cleopatra. Caesar. Mark Antony. Augustus. Only one can rule. Only one can live. Alexandria, 51 BC: When the young Cleopatra VII assumes the throne of Egypt, the Roman Empire rules the Mediterranean with an iron fist. Julius Caesar has shattered the Republic and become Dictator. But Cleopatra is not prepared to be Rome’s puppet. She hatches an audacious plan to change the course of history.Allied first with Caesar and then with his protégé Mark Antony, she dares to challenge the might of Rome. What follows is an epic game of thrones of love, war, political intrigue and breathtaking ambition. Through triumph and disaster Cleopatra does not falter.Finally, with the future of the entire western world at play, she must either bow her head to Rome - or gamble her ambitions, her country and her life on a man she cannot trust.‘Makes dry history into a real rip-roaring read.’ Forum Magazine.‘Spectacular - blazing with intrigue, romance and dramatic action.’ Booklist.'Truly made this historical era come alive.' Historical Novel Review.‘This is the riveting story of Egypt’s last and greatest queen. A vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman.’ Publishers Weekly.Experience the Epic Adventure SeriesThrilling journeys through vividly imagined worlds, heart pounding action and unforgettable characters.Multi-bestselling stand-alone tales that can be read in any order.10,000+ five-star reviews.Translated into 25 languages.Part thriller. Part history. All adventure. Read more

His last work, regarded by many as the greatest work of contemporary scholarship, Tacitus' The Annals of Imperial Rome recount with depth and insight the history of the Roman Empire during the first century A.D. This Penguin Classics edition is translated with an introduction by Michael Grant. Tacitus' Annals of Imperial Rome recount the major historical events from the years shortly before the death of Augustus up to the death of Nero in AD 68. With clarity and vivid intensity he describes the reign of terror under the corrupt Tiberius, the great fire of Rome during the time of Nero, and the wars, poisonings, scandals, conspiracies and murders that were part of imperial life. Despite his claim that the Annals were written objectively, Tacitus' account is sharply critical of the emperors' excesses and fearful for the future of Imperial Rome, while also filled with a longing for its past glories. Michael Grant's translation vividly captures the emotional patriotism of Tacitus' moral tone, offset by a lucid understanding that Rome is doomed, and conveys with cinematic vigour the lives of the great Emperors who laid the foundations of modern Europe.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Read more

LA NUEVA EDICIÓN CON TRADUCCIÓN MODERNA Y EXPLICACIONES DETALLADAS DE “MEDITACIONES DE MARCO AURELIO”Esta edición de Meditaciones de Marco Aurelio es verdaderamente única en el mercado y ofrece:Una Traducción Moderna en Español: Descubre las enseñanzas de Marco Aurelio en un lenguaje claro y directo, diseñado especialmente para los lectores de hoy. Esta edición conserva la profundidad y el significado del texto original, asegurando una lectura fácil y comprensible.Explicaciones Detalladas de Cada Reflexión: Profundiza en las ideas de Marco Aurelio con comentarios cuidadosamente elaborados que hacen accesibles y relevantes incluso los conceptos más complejos.Anotaciones Perspicaces: Conoce las figuras históricas, los eventos y las influencias que moldearon la filosofía de Marco Aurelio, obteniendo una comprensión más rica de su perspectiva estoica.Resúmenes Concisos de los 12 Libros: Absorbe rápidamente las lecciones principales de cada libro con resúmenes que destacan los puntos clave, facilitando la aplicación de estas ideas en tu vida cotidiana.ESTE LIBRO ES PARA:Buscadores de Crecimiento Personal: Encuentra orientación práctica para construir resiliencia, atención plena y propósito en tu día a día.Entusiastas de la Filosofía: Explora el estoicismo de una manera modernizada que conecta la sabiduría antigua con el mundo actual.Estudiantes y Académicos: Ideal para estudios y análisis, con explicaciones detalladas y valioso contexto histórico que enriquecerá tu comprensión.LO QUE GANARÁS:Perspectivas Prácticas sobre el Estoicismo: Descubre lecciones atemporales de Marco Aurelio y aprende a aplicarlas a los desafíos modernos.Una Experiencia de Lectura Enriquecida: Encuentra claridad y significado con explicaciones que iluminan la profundidad de cada reflexión.Una Perspectiva Histórica Completa: Explora a las personas, los eventos y las filosofías que moldearon a uno de los mayores pensadores de la historia.Transforma tu comprensión de Meditaciones con esta edición moderna y enriquecedora. Ya sea que estés descubriendo el estoicismo por primera vez o revisitando sus enseñanzas atemporales, este libro es la guía perfecta hacia la claridad, el autocontrol y una mayor apreciación de la vida.¡Obtén tu copia hoy y comienza tu viaje hacia la sabiduría y el autodescubrimiento! Read more

With stylistic brilliance and historical imagination, the first five books of Livy's monumental history of Rome record events from the foundation of Rome through the history of the seven kings, the establishment of the Republic and its internal struggles, up to Rome's recovery after the fierce Gallic invasion of the fourth century B.C. Livy vividly depicts the great characters, legends, and tales, including the story of Romulus and Remus. Reprinting Robert Ogilvie's lucid 1971 introduction, this highly regarded edition now boasts a new preface, examining the text in light of recent Livy scholarship, informative maps, bibliography, and an index.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Read more

In an idyllic Norfolk village, a stunning Roman mosaic floor has been discovered. It’s the archaeological find of the decade – complete with peacock design, intricate patterns and… a dead body?Georgina Drake is thrilled to photograph the ancient mosaic uncovered at Little Wenborough Manor. But her excitement turns to shock when she finds the lead archaeologist dead on the floor. Instead of ancient secrets, Georgina is soon caught up in a very modern murder.Comforting the other distressed archaeologists, Georgina discovers this isn’t the first time tragedy has struck this site. Over a century ago, a young Victorian scholar vanished without trace during the original dig, leaving behind a devastated fiancée and a trail of unanswered questions.As Georgina delves into both mysteries, she discovers surprising connections between past and present. With help from her friends, Georgina pieces together a story of forbidden love, blackmail and betrayal. But someone in the village would prefer these secrets stay buried, and she’ll need all her wits to catch a killer before they strike again…Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, M.C. Beaton and Midsomer Murders, this charming cozy mystery will have you digging for clues until the very last page.Readers love the Georgina Drake mysteries:‘I honestly couldn’t put this book down and I have already downloaded The Body at Rookery Barn. I cannot wait to jump back into it… I am obsessed,and I will be reading every single one!!!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Hooked… I couldn’t stop reading it and want to immediately get my hands on the next book of the series. Highly recommend!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘The best first book in any series that I have ever read! All the characters are well developed, interesting and you feel that you know them… If only there were more than 5 stars to give – this book is a definite 10-star story!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘A fantastic read. I could not put it down, and finished in one sitting. I love a good cozy mystery and this ticks all the boxes.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘I loved this book from page one… it keeps you guessing until the end… Highly recommend! 5 stars here!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Sharp, witty, full of humour, with lots of entertaining characters all rolled into the chapters. I enjoyed every bit of it.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘This was a fast-paced mystery that had me hooked from the very first page! I love this author’s writing style. There is a twisty plot, intrigue, suspense, likeable characters, a budding romance, and an adorable dog… 5/5 stars.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Fun, warm, twisty and with the comfort of old friends, this really is a series to savour.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Just the right mixture of cosiness and suspense… Read in one sitting.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Wow what a book… I could not put it down.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Plenty of intrigue, twists and turns. A real murder mystery. A worthy five star read.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘I was really involved in this story… and it became a riddle to solve. Some really good characters and an excellent storyline… Ended on a high!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘An absolutely epic read! Loved every page. Couldn’t get enough of this one. It kept me on the edge of my seat! Well written and interesting. Can’t wait for more… Well done!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read more

Do you ever feel like you're struggling to stay confident and strong when life gets tough? Are you looking for a practical way to handle life's challenges with calmness and grace? Do you wonder how ancient wisdom can help you in today's world? If so, this book is for you!Back in ancient times, schools of philosophy focused on teaching people how to live well. Even though those schools are gone now, we still need guidance in life just as much as ever.I've spent years studying Stoicism, a philosophy that helped people deal with doubts, anxiety, and uncertainty. Through my own experiences, I've gained a personal understanding of the struggles many face today.Stoicism has transformed lives for the better, and it can do the same for you. It taught its followers how to be good people and live fulfilling lives. Now, you can learn how to build emotional resilience and make the most of any situation, just like the Stoics did.In this book, you'll discover:👉 Why many successful people embrace Stoicism.👉The surprising reason why facing misfortune can be beneficial.👉How to find opportunities in every challenge.👉Why it's okay not to have complete control over everything in your life.👉Timeless Stoic practices to boost your confidence.👉Techniques to bounce back from setbacks and become emotionally stronger.👉Keys to finding inner peace, even in chaotic times.👉Practical strategies to stay focused and clear in your daily life.👉Using mindfulness to manage stress and anxiety.👉Understanding Marcus Aurelius' philosophy through relatable examples.If you're ready to live with confidence, resilience, and inner peace, then grab a copy of this book today! Read more

This deluxe 7-book box set brings together some of the greatest philosophical texts ever written, presented in luxurious clothbound volumes with gold cover embossing. From ancient Greece to the Enlightenment and the modern age, this classic collection will give readers an incredible grounding in the foundational ideas of Western philosophy. Readers can explore Plato's metaphysics, Marcus Aurelius' Stoic philosophy, the nihilism of Nietzsche, and so much more, and how they each have contributed to humanity's quest to answer life's biggest questions. This box set collection will enlighten any reader and reveal precious truths about the human condition, the reality of life and the society we are a part of. In these seven books, there is much to be admired and even more to be learnt.Includes:• The Dialogues of Socrates by Plato• On Happiness by Epicurus• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius• Meditations on First Philosophy and Other Metaphysical Writings by René Descartes• The Social Contract by Jean-Jaques Rousseau• On Liberty by John Stuart Mill• Beyond Good and Evil by Friendrich NietzscheThis luxury gift edition contains seven volumes bound in high-quality cloth and matching color endsheets. These editions fit handsomely into a decorative slipcase with luxurious cloth finishes on the top and bottom. Complete and unabridged, these enduring classics make a wonderful gift or collectible to take pride of place on your bookshelf. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Collector's Classics series are high-quality, clothbound box-sets of classic works of literature. With elegant embossed cover-designs and colored endpapers, these editions make wonderful gifts or collectibles to treasure forever. Read more

¿Cuántas veces has tomado Decisiones Impulsivas para luego arrepentirte?¿Has sentido alguna vez una falta de dirección clara, como si estuvieras a Merced de lasCircunstancias?¿Te has preguntado alguna vez cómo desarrollar cualidades como la Sabiduría, el Valor y elAutocontrol?Estos sentimientos son más comunes de lo que se cree, sobre todo en el mundo actual, que amenudo pasa por alto el valor del autocontrol y la autogestión.La importancia de enfocar la vida con sabiduría es innegable: cada vez más personas se preguntancómo tomar mejores decisiones, afrontar los retos diarios con determinación y cultivar relacionesauténticas.Pero, ¿cómo hacerlo sin una guía sólida y fiable a la que recurrir?Es en momentos como éste cuando uno se da cuenta de lo importante que es tener una brújula:sin ella, es fácil sentirse perdido y no saber qué rumbo tomar.Ese es el propósito de este libro: guiarte en la adquisición de herramientas prácticas y eficacespara aplicar en tu propia vida, a fin de lograr una transformación positiva y duradera.Descubre las ventajas concretas que experimentarás al leer este libro:✅ Logra una fuerza inquebrantable: afronta los retos de la vida con Valentía y Determinación.✅ Crea tu tribu: construye Relaciones Sanas que alimenten tu espíritu y tu crecimiento personal.✅ Refuerza la Integridad y la Honradez: lleva una vida con rectitud, gracias a los consejos deMarco Aurelio.✅ Busca el sentido y el propósito de tu vida: gracias a los consejos de Marco Aurelio, encontrarásel camino hacia la Plenitud Interior.✅ Ejercicios y rutinas para integrar la filosofía estoica en tu vida diaria.✅ Un Glosario de Términos Estoicos: una oportunidad para sumergirse en el mundo de MarcoAurelio... ¡y MUCHO más!Vive una vida llena de coraje, sabiduría y determinación, en la que superar los obstáculos confacilidad y alcanzar la serenidad interior que anhelas. ¡Alcanza el éxito gracias a una filosofía devida arraigada en la sabiduría milenaria de Marco Aurelio!Toma el control de tu vida, ¡elige hoy a Marco Aurelio como tu Mentor! ¡Haz clic en "COMPRARYA" y comienza ya el viaje hacia una vida gratificante! Read more

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Tusculan Disputations by CiceroTranslated by C. D. YongeTusculan Disputations is a series of books written by the Roman philosopher and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero around 45 BC. The work is named after Cicero's villa in Tusculum, where he is imagined to have engaged in philosophical discussions with his friends. The text is structured as a set of dialogues, which explore various themes central to Stoic philosophy and the practical application of philosophical principles to everyday life.Summary of ContentThe Tusculan Disputations is divided into five books, each addressing different philosophical issues:Book I: On the Contempt of Death – Cicero discusses the nature of death and argues that death should not be feared. He presents various philosophical perspectives on the soul's immortality and the insignificance of death.Book II: On Bearing Pain – This book deals with the problem of suffering and pain. Cicero explores the idea that pain is bearable and can be overcome through mental fortitude and rational thinking.Book III: On Grief of Mind – In this section, Cicero examines the nature of emotional distress and grief. He discusses ways to mitigate the impact of such emotions and emphasizes the importance of maintaining tranquility.Book IV: On Other Perturbations of the Mind – This book addresses other emotions and mental disturbances, such as fear, envy, and anger. Cicero advocates for the control of these emotions through reason and philosophical practice.Book V: Whether Virtue Alone Be Sufficient for a Happy Life – The final book debates the relationship between virtue and happiness. Cicero argues that true happiness is attainable only through virtue, and that external goods are secondary to the pursuit of a virtuous life. Read more

The Ancient Near East is considered the cradle of civilization. Mesopotamia is a historical region of Western Asia situated within the Tigris–Euphrates river system. Babylonia was an Amorite state in lower Mesopotamia where an empire was created out of the territories of the former kingdoms of Sumer and Akkad. Assyria was a region on the Upper Tigris whose kings controlled a large kingdom at three different times in history, covering most of the Middle East. Ancient Egypt was a civilization of ancient North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River. Around the 8th century BC the torch of civilization was taken from the Near East to ancient Greece and Rome. Both Greek and Roman societies flourished and wielded great influence throughout much of Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. The rise of civilization corresponded with the institutional sponsorship of belief in gods, supernatural forces and the afterlife. Many civilizations adopted their own form of Polytheism and each of these nations developed their own mythologies which influenced the culture, arts, and literature of both Eastern and Western civilization. Myths and Legends of Babylonia & Assyria Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt Mythology Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome Read more

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is a life-changing book. Among others, it contains the following reflections: "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.""When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ..." "It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is a life-changing book. It contains the private meditations of the most powerful man in the Roman world, the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, as he wrestled with the complexities of his life using the wisdom of Stoic Philosophy. Meditations is written in lucid, accessible language and, interestingly, we see that the problems and perplexities of this philosopher-King are much like ours. Marcus Aurelius was impressively able to live out his philosophical ideals-such as the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, simplicity and life-long learning, of seizing the day, and of remembering the shortness of life-while administering the Roman Empire.Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) was the last of the five "good Roman emperors". The Emperor Hadrian adopted Titus Aurelius Antoninus, thereby choosing him to succeed him, and arranged for Antonius to adopt Marcus, and thus, from a young age, Marcus was groomed for power. During this time, he devoted himself to philosophy with passion and diligence. At the age of forty he became Emperor and was known as Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. Remarkably in a culture of absolute power, he insisted that his adoptive brother and co-consul, Lucius, be elevated to co-emperor. The historian Herodian, a contemporary, wrote: "he gave proof of his learning not by mere words or knowledge of philosophical doctrines but by his blameless character and temperate way of life."Marcus Aurelius is now best remembered for Meditations, which is, perhaps, the greatest single work of Stoic philosophy.Stoic philosophy is, above all, practical. It uses reason and the careful observation of human life to address the problems of daily life. It is also universal-the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and the freed slave Epictetus were both prominent Stoic philosophers. In recent years, Stoic philosophy has provided invaluable life lessons to people in many spheres of life including prisoners of war and Holocaust survivors, psychiatrists, and those in the business world. Indeed, modern Stoic thought "hold[s] fascinating promise for business and government leaders tackling global problems in a turbulent, post-recession slump," (Forbes).This edition is complete and unabridged and contains Introduction, Notes, Appendix containing correspondence with his tutor Fronto, and a Glossary. Read more

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Intermediate Level Greek Storybook (B1 & B2): Learn Greek with 25 Fairytale Stories 🇬🇷📚Ready to level up your Greek? This engaging storybook is made just for intermediate learners who want to improve their grammar, grow their vocabulary, and gain confidence reading real Greek stories — all while having fun!What makes this book special?Includes 25 fairytale stories from around the world — and several classic Greek myths like Odysseus and the Cyclops, Theseus and the Minotaur, and Jason and the Golden Fleece that give you a deeper cultural connection to the Greek language.Every story is written entirely in Greek, but with full learning support in English to guide you step by step.Perfect for learners at B1 and B2 levels who are ready to move beyond beginner basics and start thinking in Greek 🧠✨.📘 Each story includes:Greek–English Title with a subtitle describing what you'll learnKey Learning Objectives in English to focus your grammar and vocabulary practicePronunciation Guide for tricky Greek wordsGrammar Notes with examples straight from the storyVocabulary List organized by part of speechFull story in Greek with bolded keywords and dialogue to reinforce learningWhat you'll learn inside:Master tenses like Past Simple, Past Continuous, Present Perfect, and Future SimpleExplore comparatives, superlatives, sentence connectors, and expressive idiomsBuild your vocabulary with themes like myth, magic, emotion, and adventurePractice everyday phrases and fairy-tale expressions like “never-ending task,” “face your fears,” and “blessed by the gods”Μπορείτε να διαβάσετε ιστορίες στα ελληνικά! With each page, you'll find yourself reading more fluently, recognizing patterns, and enjoying the rhythm of the Greek language. From fairy-tale kingdoms to ancient heroes, this book helps you connect meaningfully with Greek while learning through story.Stories Include: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, Beauty and the Beast, Rumpelstiltskin, Peter Pan, The Frog Prince, Perseus and Medusa, The Myth of Sisyphus, Atalanta, Puss in Boots, and many more!Bonus ✨: Includes several stories that are originally Greek — offering you authentic cultural insight while learning the language of the myths themselves.Perfect for: Intermediate self-learners, classroom support, adult learners, tutors, and anyone who wants to move from textbook Greek to real reading and understanding.Μάθετε ελληνικά με παραμύθια 📖 – και διασκεδάστε όσο μαθαίνετε! Read more

'Two things alone I long for: first, that when I die I may leave the Roman people free...and second, that each person's fate may reflect the way he has behaved towards his country.'Cicero (106-43 BC) was the greatest orator of the ancient world and a leading politician of the closing era of the Roman republic. This book presents nine speeches which reflect the development, variety, and drama of his political career,among them two speeches from his prosecution of Verres, a corrupt and cruel governor of Sicily; four speeches against the conspirator Catiline; and the Second Philippic, the famous denunciation of Mark Antony which cost Cicero his life. Also included are On the Command of Gnaeus Pompeius, in which he praises the military successes of Pompey, and For Marcellus, a panegyric in praise of the dictator Julius Caesar.These new translations preserve Cicero's rhetorical brilliance and achieve new standards of accuracy. A general introduction outlines Cicero's public career, and separate introductions explain the political significance of each of the speeches. Together with its companion volume, Defence Speeches, this edition provides an unparalleled sampling of Cicero's oratorical achievements. Read more

En quelques semaines, Paula, brillante avocate, a tout perdu : l'homme qui partageait sa vie la quitte lâchement, emportant avec lui la clientèle de leur cabinet commun. Seule et désœuvrée, Paula est proche du désespoir, quand elle voit débouler dans son bureau désert l'extravagante famille Polyakov et leurs histoires à dormir debout. Et avec eux leur fils, le mystérieux et désirable Artiom, qui emporte dans un tourbillon le cœur chamboulé de Paula. Mais si on ne choisit pas sa famille, on choisit encore moins sa belle-famille et c'est peu dire que les Polyakov sont envahissants ! Avec une belle-mère comme Darya, une femme plus obstinée qu'un char russe et plus folle qu'un furet enragé, le mariage de Paula a-t-il une chance ? " Une délicieuse comédie. " Grazia Read more

Meditations by Marcus AureliusThe New Translation of a Classic Philosophical Text: from Self-Help to Self-ExaminationFrom the Foreword:"Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher who reigned from 161 AD to 180 AD, alongside his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus. Known as one of the Five Good Emperors, he would be the last ruler of the Pax Romana (Roman Peace), a two hundred year Golden Age of relative peace and stability. His greatest surviving work, Meditations, was written in private and for himself, a kind of self-help journal with philosophical underpinnings that helped keep him on his moral path of self-improvement.Marcus Aurelius wrote the twelve books of the Meditations in Koine Greek. Each book chronicles a different period in his life, and fit no real chronological order. The writing style is simple and direct, as he felt writing should be. Among its chief themes is the placement of humans amid a universe in constant change. For Aurelius, there is a hierarchy of forms, with the gods at the top, followed by sentient and rational beings, with non-rational animals, and lifeless objects last. That said, he believed that there was one universal soul, and one universal matter, while still allowing a space for free will. Following this line of thinking, each human is not only part of a universal whole, but part of the social whole—we were made for each other, and to harm another would be to act against Nature.Much of Meditations is spent hammering home various philosophical points, such as: Human nature consists in being just, kind, and generous; we are social creatures at heart; we should forgive easily and teach each other; we should mind our own business; other people can’t hurt you, as pain and trauma are only as painful and traumatic as your mind allows; the fear of death is irrational, and you can quell your anxiety by remembering how many others in history have passed before you; passions and lust, if not controlled, will hold you back from your true potential; good and bad are constructs, but have real value; fame is fleeting; and rational thinking and high principles can bring happiness.But most importantly, he asks us to remember that being just, benevolent, and generous is literally what we were made to do, so get out there and live life and be good, because you’re going to die really soon." Read more

'It is philosophy that has the duty of protecting us ... without it no one can lead a life free of fear or worry'For several years of his turbulent life, in which he was dogged by ill health, exile and danger, Seneca was the guiding hand of the Roman Empire. This selection of Seneca's letters shows him upholding the ideals of Stoicism - the wisdom of the self-possessed person immune to life's setbacks - while valuing friendship and courage, and criticizing the harsh treatment of slaves and the cruelties in the gladiatorial arena. The humanity and wit revealed in Seneca's interpretation of Stoicism is a moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.Selected and translated with an Introduction by Robin Campbell Read more