Marcus Aurelius' Meditations: Which Edition Reigns Supreme?

There are several English translations of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, and the best version depends on reader preference. The Gregory Hays translation by Modern Library is simple and accessible, while still preserving the message. It is endorsed by Ryan Holiday, an expert on stoicism, and Tim Ferriss. The translation by Martin Hammond is also a popular choice, with a version published by Penguin Classics. This translation is described as reliable and readable, with a more poetic voice. For those who prefer a more literal translation, Maxwell Staniforth's version is faithful to the original Greek text while remaining easy to read.

Hays' translation is beautiful, but may not be accurate

Hays Translation: Beautiful, but Not Accurate?

The Gregory Hays translation of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" is widely regarded as one of the best English translations available. With nearly 19,000 reviews on Amazon, it averages 4.7/5 stars, with readers praising its clarity, elegance, and accessibility. Hays' writing style is described as eloquent, direct, and modern, making the text highly approachable for contemporary readers.

However, it's important to note that while Hays' translation is beautiful, it may not always be an accurate representation of what Marcus Aurelius originally wrote. This is a common challenge faced when translating ancient texts, especially those with philosophical or spiritual themes, where certain nuances and subtleties may be lost or interpreted differently.

A Fresh Perspective

Hays' translation of "Meditations" stands out for its deliberate attempt to move away from the stodgy feel of earlier translations. In an interview, Hays mentions that he wanted to reflect the fact that this text was compiled for Marcus Aurelius' personal use and not for other readers. By translating it in a more contemporary style, Hays makes the work more relatable and engaging for modern audiences.

Capturing the Original Wisdom

Hays' translation effectively captures the wisdom and practical advice offered by Marcus Aurelius. The text is filled with insights on Stoic philosophy, human behavior, and guidance on how to live a virtuous and meaningful life. This makes "Meditations" a valuable handbook for anyone seeking self-improvement or a deeper understanding of Stoicism.

Comparing Translations

To illustrate the differences in translation styles, let's compare Hays' translation with that of Robin Hard, another translator of "Meditations." Here's an excerpt from Book 1, Chapter 1, translated by Hays:

> "My grandfather Verus: for his character and self-control.

> My father: for his integrity and manliness.

> My mother: for her reverence for the divine, her generosity, and her inability not only to do wrong but even to conceive of doing it. And for her simplicity of life. No elaborate pretensions, no royal trappings."

Now, here's the same passage translated by Robin Hard:

> "From my grandfather Verus, good character and the government of my temper.

> From the reputation and memory of my father, modesty and a manly spirit.

> From my mother, piety and beneficence, and abstinence, not only from evil deeds, but even from evil thoughts; and further, simplicity in her way of living, far removed from the usual concept of a wealthy woman."

In this comparison, we can see how Hays' translation uses more contemporary language, such as "self-control" instead of "government of my temper," making it more accessible to modern readers. Hard's translation, on the other hand, retains a more formal and archaic tone.

Final Thoughts

While the accuracy of any translation of "Meditations" can be debated, Gregory Hays' version stands out for its ability to capture the essence of Marcus Aurelius' thoughts and make them relevant to a modern audience. Ultimately, the beauty of a translation lies not only in its accuracy but also in its ability to convey the original wisdom in a way that resonates with readers, and Hays' translation certainly achieves this.

Robin Hard's translation offers an intimate and direct approach

Robin Hard's translation of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" brings out the eloquence and universality of the author's thoughts. Hard's translation offers a more intimate and direct approach to Marcus Aurelius' thoughts, in contrast to other translations that might be more sympathetic towards readers.

Hard's translation includes an introduction and notes by Christopher Gill, which provide valuable context for understanding the Meditations. Gill's contribution takes into account the most recent work on Marcus Aurelius and places the Meditations firmly within the ancient philosophical context.

One of the unique features of Hard's translation is the inclusion of selected correspondence between Marcus Aurelius and his tutor Fronto. This additional material provides valuable insights into the emperor's life and thoughts, broadening our understanding of him as a person and a thinker.

> MY FIRST TEACHER: Not to support this side or that in chariot-racing, this fighter or that in the games. To put up with discomfort and not make demands. To do my own work, mind my own business, and have no time for slanderers. (transl. Hays)

> From my tutor, not to have sided with the Greens or the Blues at the races, or the fighters with the light shields or the heavy in the amphitheater; to endure hardship, and have few needs; to do things for myself and not meddle in the affairs of others; and to turn a deaf ear to slander. (transl. Hard)

Hard's translation style is evident in this comparison, showcasing a more direct and detailed approach to conveying Marcus Aurelius' ideas.

In conclusion, Robin Hard's translation of "Meditations" is an excellent choice for those seeking a deeper and more intimate understanding of Marcus Aurelius' thoughts. The inclusion of selected correspondence and the insightful introduction by Christopher Gill further enhances the value of this translation.

The Emperor's Handbook by Hicks and Hicks is easy to read

The Emperor's Handbook by C. Scot Hicks and David V. Hicks is widely regarded as the most readable translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. The prose is rendered in modern American English, making it accessible to a contemporary audience. The book includes sidebar quotes every two or three pages, allowing readers to skim through and capture the wisdom within. The extensive notes that support the text also contribute to the book's overall strength.

The translators, C. Scot Hicks and David V. Hicks, are brothers. Scot headed schools in Greece, France, and the United States and taught Latin and Greek in Europe and America. David spent decades heading independent schools and wrote a treatise on education, winning the American Library Association's Outstanding Book Award.

The Emperor's Handbook is not only easy to read but also provides valuable insights into leadership, character, and how to live a fulfilling life. It is a powerful and accessible translation of Meditations, an essential book on these topics.

The translators' work has been praised for its clarity and modern language, making it a joy to read. The translation is also notable for its accuracy, reflecting Marcus Aurelius' style and tone. This version is highly recommended for those seeking an accessible and engaging introduction to the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius.

Penguin Classics' translation is reliable and readable

The Penguin Classics translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations by Martin Hammond is reliable and readable. The translation is praised for its accessibility, clarity, and eloquence. It captures the intimacy and eloquence of the original work, with natural English that is direct and often eloquent. The text is well-supported by effective and detailed notes that elucidate the text, and Hammond writes with a pithy turn of phrase that matches Aurelius' own.

Hammond's translation is the work of an unusually gifted translator who understands the value of supplementary material. The translation is also praised for its accuracy, with one reviewer stating that it is "very good" and another saying that they read out of it almost every day. The text is further supported by an introduction from Diskin Clay, which explores the nature and development of the Meditations.

The Penguin Classics edition is, therefore, a fine volume for those seeking a reliable and readable translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.

Hays' translation is like Marcus Aurelius on Twitter

The Gregory Hays translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations is like Marcus Aurelius on Twitter. It's concise, direct, and accessible to a wide audience, while still retaining the original's wisdom and depth.

Hays' translation is known for its modern, plain English, which makes it a popular choice for those seeking an introduction to Stoicism. With nearly 19,000 reviews on Amazon, it averages 4.7/5 stars, with many praising its readability and elegant prose. The text is free of archaic language, making it a smooth read for contemporary audiences.

One of the strengths of Hays' translation is that it captures the spareness and compression of the original Greek text. It conveys Marcus Aurelius' thoughts with a new immediacy, making them feel direct and powerful. This translation is also the first in nearly four decades, so it benefits from recent scholarship on the text and the author's life.

The introduction and endnotes are also noteworthy. They provide valuable context about Marcus Aurelius' life and the Stoic doctrine, enhancing readers' understanding of the work.

However, it's important to note that while Hays' translation is beautiful and eloquent, it may not always be the most accurate representation of what Marcus Aurelius said. Some readers may prefer a translation that prioritizes strict accuracy over stylistic elegance.

Nevertheless, the Hays translation is an excellent choice for those seeking a modern and accessible version of Meditations. It brings ancient wisdom to life, making it feel like Marcus Aurelius is speaking directly to you, in a language you can easily understand.

So, if you want to imagine what Marcus Aurelius might have tweeted, the Hays translation is a great place to start. It captures the essence of his thoughts and makes them feel immediate and relevant, just like a good tweet should!

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