Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Florence Étienne Méric Casaubon (1599-1671) was a classical scholar and a renowned editor of antiquarian books; the son of the English theologian Isaac Casaubon (1559-1614), he edited his father's greatest work, Ephemerides. Méric Casaubon is also the author of True and Faithful Relation, a diary of séances.

"The Sages of Old Live Again in Us." With the aim of making the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius approachable for a contemporary reader, author Méric Casaubon introduces the historical and philosophical milieu that resulted in one of the remarkable philosophical classics of all time. Long remembered for his unmistakable wisdom and the golden age attributed to his peaceful rule, Marcus Aurelius was emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 A.D. According to Casaubon, "truly a rare opportunity was given to Marcus Aurelius of showing what the mind can do in despite of circumstances. [He was the] most peaceful of warriors, a magnificent monarch whose ideal was quiet happiness in home life, yet born to greatness . . ." The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is as vital today as it ever was. No other philosopher shows us more clearly what it means to cultivate a peaceful mind in the face of everything that life throws our way.