-
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
- Narrated by: Walter Covell
- Length: 5 hrs
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Philosophy
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Daily Stoic
- 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why have history's greatest minds - from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson along with today's top performers, from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities - embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers a daily devotional of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations.
-
-
Suffers from left-wing politics of the author
- By RegularJoe on 10-10-19
By: Ryan Holiday, and others
-
The War of Art
- By: Steven Pressfield
- Narrated by: Steven Pressfield
- Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Think of The War of Art as tough love...for yourself. Since 2002, The War of Art has inspired people around the world to defeat "resistance"; to recognize and knock down dream-blocking barriers and to silence the naysayers within us. Resistance kicks everyone's butt, and the desire to defeat it is equally as universal. The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success.
-
-
Too much useless information
- By Anonymous User on 11-18-19
-
Letters from a Stoic
- Penguin Classics
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: Julian Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
-
-
Great example should be followed
- By Mr D. on 01-28-20
By: Seneca
-
Discourses and Selected Writings
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Richard Goulding
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature.
-
-
Outstanding Audible Title and performance
- By H. D. Martinez on 05-01-21
By: Epictetus
-
Marcus Aurelius - Meditations: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader
- By: Marcus Aurelius, James Harris
- Narrated by: Gregory Allen Siders
- Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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 form to allow for easy listening. Enjoy!
-
-
Best translation
- By Anonymous User on 06-13-19
By: Marcus Aurelius, and others
-
The War on the West
- By: Douglas Murray
- Narrated by: Douglas Murray
- Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is now in vogue to celebrate non-Western cultures and disparage Western ones. Some of this is a much-needed reckoning, but much of it fatally undermines the very things that created the greatest, most humane civilization in the world. In The War on the West, Douglas Murray shows how many well-meaning people have been fooled by hypocritical and inconsistent anti-West rhetoric.
-
-
Every Human (seriously, everyone) Read This!
- By aaron on 04-27-22
By: Douglas Murray
-
The Daily Stoic
- 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why have history's greatest minds - from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson along with today's top performers, from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities - embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers a daily devotional of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations.
-
-
Suffers from left-wing politics of the author
- By RegularJoe on 10-10-19
By: Ryan Holiday, and others
-
The War of Art
- By: Steven Pressfield
- Narrated by: Steven Pressfield
- Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Think of The War of Art as tough love...for yourself. Since 2002, The War of Art has inspired people around the world to defeat "resistance"; to recognize and knock down dream-blocking barriers and to silence the naysayers within us. Resistance kicks everyone's butt, and the desire to defeat it is equally as universal. The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success.
-
-
Too much useless information
- By Anonymous User on 11-18-19
-
Letters from a Stoic
- Penguin Classics
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: Julian Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
-
-
Great example should be followed
- By Mr D. on 01-28-20
By: Seneca
-
Discourses and Selected Writings
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Richard Goulding
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature.
-
-
Outstanding Audible Title and performance
- By H. D. Martinez on 05-01-21
By: Epictetus
-
Marcus Aurelius - Meditations: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader
- By: Marcus Aurelius, James Harris
- Narrated by: Gregory Allen Siders
- Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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 form to allow for easy listening. Enjoy!
-
-
Best translation
- By Anonymous User on 06-13-19
By: Marcus Aurelius, and others
-
The War on the West
- By: Douglas Murray
- Narrated by: Douglas Murray
- Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is now in vogue to celebrate non-Western cultures and disparage Western ones. Some of this is a much-needed reckoning, but much of it fatally undermines the very things that created the greatest, most humane civilization in the world. In The War on the West, Douglas Murray shows how many well-meaning people have been fooled by hypocritical and inconsistent anti-West rhetoric.
-
-
Every Human (seriously, everyone) Read This!
- By aaron on 04-27-22
By: Douglas Murray
-
The Obstacle Is the Way
- The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
- By: Ryan Holiday
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We are stuck, stymied, frustrated. But it needn't be this way. There is a formula for success that's been followed by the icons of history - from John D. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Ulysses S. Grant to Steve Jobs - a formula that let them turn obstacles into opportunities. Faced with impossible situations, they found the astounding triumphs we all seek.
-
-
Authors should not read their own books
- By jibmo109 on 05-11-17
By: Ryan Holiday
-
Outliers
- The Story of Success
- By: Malcolm Gladwell
- Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this stunning audiobook, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers" - the best and the brightest, the most famous, and the most successful. He asks the question: What makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: That is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing.
-
-
Not Really About Outliers.
- By Gaggleframpf on 09-30-19
By: Malcolm Gladwell
-
On the Shortness of Life
- By: Lucius Seneca
- Narrated by: Clint Arthur
- Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The majority of mortals, Paulinus, complain bitterly of the spitefulness of Nature, because we are born for a brief span of life, because even this space that has been granted to us rushes by so speedily and so swiftly that all save a very few find life at an end just when they are getting ready to live. Nor is it merely the common herd and the unthinking crowd that bemoan what is, as men deem it, an universal ill; the same feeling has called forth complaint also from men who were famous.
-
-
Excellent short read on the shortness of life!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-19-15
By: Lucius Seneca
-
The Enchiridion & Discourses
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Haward B. Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
-
-
Inspiration from thousands of years ago
- By Jose on 07-30-17
By: Epictetus
-
12 Rules for Life
- An Antidote to Chaos
- By: Jordan B. Peterson, Norman Doidge MD - foreword
- Narrated by: Jordan B. Peterson
- Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research. Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.
-
-
Fairly religious view toward the "Rules for Life"
- By Amazon Customer on 02-09-20
By: Jordan B. Peterson, and others
-
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald J. Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
-
-
Marvelous mix of a biography with stoicism and CBT
- By Eduard Ezeanu on 04-12-19
-
The Book of Five Rings
- By: Miyamoto Musashi, William Scott Wilson - translator
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 2 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Setting down his thoughts on swordplay, on winning, and on spirituality, legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi intended this modest work as a guide for his immediate disciples and future generations of samurai. He had little idea he was penning a masterpiece that would be eagerly devoured by people in all walks of life centuries after his death.
-
-
DO NOT Listen to David P. Grange's Review
- By Carey Lucas on 01-30-21
By: Miyamoto Musashi, and others
-
Stillness Is the Key
- By: Ryan Holiday
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All great leaders, thinkers, artists, athletes, and visionaries share one indelible quality. It enables them to conquer their tempers. To avoid distraction and discover great insights. To achieve happiness and do the right thing. Ryan Holiday calls it stillness - to be steady while the world spins around you. In this book, he outlines a path for achieving this ancient, but urgently necessary way of living.
-
-
Wisdom Doesn't Change
- By Bitsy on 10-22-19
By: Ryan Holiday
-
Atlas Shrugged
- By: Ayn Rand
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 62 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a scrap heap within an abandoned factory, the greatest invention in history lies dormant and unused. By what fatal error of judgment has its value gone unrecognized, its brilliant inventor punished rather than rewarded for his efforts? In defense of those greatest of human qualities that have made civilization possible, one man sets out to show what would happen to the world if all the heroes of innovation and industry went on strike.
-
-
Good with some caveats
- By Mike M on 09-09-12
By: Ayn Rand
-
Mere Christianity
- By: C. S. Lewis
- Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the most popular and beloved introductions to the concept of faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide. This audiobook brings together C. S. Lewis' legendary radio broadcasts during the war years, in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times."
-
-
Interesting to an atheist
- By Matthew on 06-09-15
By: C. S. Lewis
-
The Art of Living
- The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
- By: Epictetus, Sharon Lebell - translator
- Narrated by: Richard Bolles
- Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, one of the greatest of the ancient thinkers, believed that the primary mission of philosophy is to help ordinary people meet the challenges of daily life and deal with losses, disappointments, and grief. His prescription for the good life: master desires, perform one's duties, and learn to think clearly about oneself and the larger community. This recording includes an interview with philosopher Jacob Needleman on the significance of Epictetus' work.
-
-
Invaluable Life Lessons
- By Rich S. on 12-13-13
By: Epictetus, and others
-
Theory of Everything
- An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science and Spirituality
- By: Ken Wilber
- Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi
- Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is a concise, comprehensive overview of Wilber's revolutionary thought and its application in today's world. In A Theory of Everything, Wilber uses clear, nontechnical language to present complex, cutting-edge theories that integrate the realms of body, mind, soul, and spirit. He then demonstrates how these theories and models can be applied to real-world problems in areas such as politics, medicine, business, education, and the environment.
-
-
Philosophy for Idiots
- By Micah Cavaleri on 08-19-20
By: Ken Wilber
Publisher's Summary
Marcus shouldered his responsibilities with a clear sense of honor. He was history's first ombudsman, and if his role as a legislator or conqueror was not great, he did set high standards for emulation. Written in the form of confessions, his meditations provide a window into his insights on duty, virtue, and humility. He was the last of the "Five Good Emperors", and is also considered one of the most important stoic philosophers.
The Meditations, written on campaign between 170 and 180 C.E., is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty, and it has been praised for its "exquisite accent and its infinite tenderness". In fact, John Stuart Mill, in his Utility of Religion, compared The Meditations to the "Sermon on the Mount".
What listeners say about The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
- German
- 12-04-10
Practical Philosophy
The Meditations are a personal notebook, written by Marcus to himself and for his own use. This is an incredibly powerful book.
"In this flowing stream then, on which there is no abiding, what is there of the things which hurry by on which a man would set a high price? It would be just as if a man should fall in love with one of the sparrows which fly by, but it has already passed out of sight." [Meditations 6:15]
Some may find this recording “monotone and lifeless”. But, remember: Marcus Aurelius had a manly stoic character. He was not a tragic hero.
“Everything which happens either happens in such wise as thou art formed by nature to bear it, or as thou art not formed by nature to bear it. If, then, it happens to thee in such way as thou art formed by nature to bear it, do not complain, but bear it as thou art formed by nature to bear it. But if it happens in such wise as thou art not formed by nature to bear it, do not complain, for it will perish after it has consumed thee.” [Meditations 10:3]
Walter Covell’s interpretation provides a fascinating picture of a would-be Stoic sage at work on himself. In some parts, his intonation is just perfect. If you heard it multiple times, you will start noticing it. Listen to the book IV for instance. There is no way to improve it.
“From Rusticus I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline and from him I learned (…) to read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book” [Meditations 1:7]
If you are looking for an introduction to stoicism, here are some suggestions: listen to the Epictetus’ Enchiridion at librivox dot org and search for “James Stockdale”.
Further Reading: The Fourth Book of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus at archive dot org -- a commentary by H. Crossley.
25 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- daniel fam
- 07-12-15
A Decent, Stately Reading
Would you listen to The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius again? Why?
Yes, there are so many sentences that make great epigrams. It would be good to catch them all now that I've heard it once. On the other hand, that's what texts are for . . .
What did you like best about this story?
It is a philosophic classic, and a seminal text in any study of stoicism.
Did Walter Covell do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?
He caught a good, stately presence for the emperor. He read it levelly, but there were a few places where he put some amusement into Marcus Aurelius's voice that was a welcome change.
If you could give The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius a new subtitle, what would it be?
Stoic's Bible
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Gary
- 07-02-12
Easy to understand
No wonder this book is still around. It is easy to follow and to understand. Usually, primary sources for philosophy are too complex for me to understand, but not this one. Marcus Aurelius has a core set of beliefs and explains them for the non student of philosophy. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning about stoicism. I only wish modern writers of philosophy would read this book before they write their books. The reader knew how to read and keep me interested.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Richard L C Miesel
- 12-09-16
Submission to Nature
I was fascinated by points of contact and divergence from Christian teaching regarding natural law.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cardboard Box Delivery Master
- 09-08-16
It's a bucket list item
Was short enough to handle in a week commuting. One of those books that has a few tidbits that will stay with you.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael
- 10-19-19
I found it difficult to pick which copy to purchase.
I do believe this is the best narration of this amazing piece of life’s work. The life’s work of history’s greatest man.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ryan Whitworth
- 06-13-19
My favorite of the Romans/Greeks
Marcus Aurelius' style is so clear and precise, it's amazing. His ideas are more nuanced and self-aware than most old writing I've read. In the end though, I do disagree with him. That's really why I'm bumping it down to 4 stars in the "story".
I recommend this as the one of the clearest explanations of stoicism, and even Buddhist-style "un-attachment" that I've seen. But I'd suggest you question his conclusions. He'd have you think that because life includes suffering, there's no reason to prefer pleasure to pain. He thinks a thing's existence justifies its continuance. Maybe an enlightened person can accept their own pain, be we can't accept the pain of others for them. That's cruelty, not enlightenment. This guy was the ruler of the world, and shrugged off slavery because "that's just some people's lot in life." Easy for him to say. But I guess he was inconsistent, like we all are.
Overall, it's a great book to wrestle with. Just, don't accept it all without question
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shawn
- 12-06-16
awesome
very good book. easy to follow. interesting ideas. i would definately suggest it required listening for all.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mbaember
- 07-19-20
It's up to you!
This is so relevant in our current state as a nation and members of the global community. It helps you understand what is important to you as an individual and what role is as a member of whatever your community is.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chris k
- 10-17-19
One of the most encouraging books
This describes very deep subjects of our lives and how to improve our behavior. It helps us get motivated to meditate. Love it. Read it 5 times already. :)
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ed
- 05-04-14
Wise and fascinating
If you could sum up The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in three words, what would they be?
Long lost wisdom
Any additional comments?
A personal creed from this stoic emperor who reigned when Christianity was taking hold across the empire. A fascinating and gripping book
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Donna
- 01-31-21
A great Philosopher
If only Marcus was alive today to see how people live, I'm sure he would have a few choice words to say.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- LC
- 09-13-20
Excellent - also very interesting
These observations and advice from from Marcus are thought provoking and useful, as well as being very insightful. I also found it really interesting in terms of getting a few glimpses into the times it was written in.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 09-17-19
Not for everyone
This audiobook was not for me. Audio quality is sub par and the content is a bit too complicated for casual listening during transit.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Patryk
- 03-09-16
Absolute must
The emperor's meditations are still valid today as they give credit to the notion of unchangeability of human spirit. We may use his helpful knowledge to plough through a difficult day or in a wider sense as an inspiration for self improvement and pursuit of our own happiness. Read it, listen to it you shall not regret it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Alex.D
- 09-25-15
This is like the bible to a happy mind
A fantastic book with allot if not all value. A very hard book to digest and not recommended for people not ready for bible like writing. The narrator struggles but who wouldn't when voice acting this fantastic piece.