Meditations For Mindfulness: Best Books For Focus And Calm

There are many translations of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, but which is the best? Meditations is an ancient philosophical book, a series of personal thoughts and exercises from the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. It is imminently readable and accessible, offering philosophical insights that promise to elevate our minds above worldly concerns. It is a book of short sayings, varying from a sentence or two to a long paragraph, and it is not organised by theme. So, which translation should you choose?

Hays translation

The Gregory Hays translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations is widely regarded as the best translation of the text. Hays' translation is the first in nearly four decades and is praised for its accessibility and profoundness.

Hays' translation conveys the spareness and compression of the original Greek text with fresh and unencumbered English. Hays' introduction to the text provides context for Marcus Aurelius' life and times, Stoic doctrine, and the ongoing influence of the work. This translation makes it possible to fully rediscover the thoughts of Marcus Aurelius, one of the most enlightened and intelligent leaders of any era.

Ryan Holiday, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Obstacle Is the Way, says:

> "If you’re going to read it, you absolutely have to go with the Gregory Hays translation."

Hays is an associate professor of classics at the University of Virginia and maintains an annotated bibliography of Fulgentius the Mythmaker.

Hard translation

Translating ancient texts is a difficult task. It is not just about finding equivalent words in the target language but also about capturing the essence and nuances of the original text. This is especially true when translating philosophical works, where the precise use of language is critical to conveying complex ideas.

Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" is a collection of the Roman emperor's personal thoughts and reflections on Stoic philosophy. As such, it presents unique challenges to translators, who must grapple with the task of rendering ancient philosophical concepts into modern language while preserving the original meaning and intent.

One of the most popular and well-regarded translations of "Meditations" is by Gregory Hays. Hays' translation is praised for its accessibility and readability, with many finding his language choices and phrasing resonant. Hays' version is often recommended as the best starting point for those new to the text or philosophy in general. However, some critics argue that Hays takes liberties with the text, prioritising readability over strict accuracy.

For a more intimate and direct approach to Marcus Aurelius' thoughts, Robin Hard's translation stands out. Hard's version brings out the eloquence and universality of the original text, offering a unique perspective on the emperor's philosophical musings. This translation is less common but still highly regarded, earning a high rating on Amazon.

Another notable translation is "The Emperor's Handbook" by C. Scot Hicks and David V. Hicks. This version is notable for its modern American English prose, making it easily accessible to contemporary audiences. The inclusion of sidebar quotes every few pages provides an easy way for readers to skim the text and quickly grasp the key ideas. However, the extensive notes that support the translation are just as important, offering additional depth for those seeking to delve further into Stoic philosophy.

Penguin Classics also offers a reliable translation by Martin Hammond. This version captures Aurelius' musings coherently and understandability, making it a safe choice for those unsure about which translation to choose.

Each translation of "Meditations" offers a unique lens into the mind of Marcus Aurelius. While some may prioritise readability and modern language, others strive for a more direct representation of the original text. Ultimately, the best translation for each reader will depend on their individual preferences and needs.

Hicks translation

The Hicks translation of Meditations, titled 'The Emperor's Handbook', is a highly readable modern translation that presents Marcus Aurelius' thoughts to a contemporary audience. The book is a collection of the Roman emperor's personal thoughts and exercises, filled with insights into his philosophy, observations on human behaviour, and guidance on self-improvement.

The translation is rendered in modern American English, with short sidebar quotes every two to three pages, allowing readers to skim the book and still capture the wisdom it contains. The extensive notes that support the text are also a strength, providing additional reference material for further study on Stoic philosophy.

The Hicks translation is highly regarded by some readers, with one reviewer stating that "no translation does the Emperor's Meditations better or nobler justice". However, others prefer the Gregory Hays translation, finding it more readable and less preachy.

Ultimately, the choice of translation depends on personal preference, and the Hicks translation is a great option for those seeking a modern and accessible version of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.

Hammond translation

The Penguin Classics translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations by Martin Hammond is widely regarded as a great version of the text. It is praised for its accessibility and affordability, with one source recommending it as a good option for those who are unsure about which translation to choose. The text is said to capture Aurelius' musings and thoughts in a cohesive and understandable way.

Hammond's translation is also praised for its use of plain English, with one source noting that the translation uses \"lexically infrequent words\" less than other translations. This is demonstrated in the following excerpt:

> From my grandfather Verus: decency and a mild temper. From what they say and I remember of my natural father: integrity and manliness.

Another source notes that the Hammond translation is "elegantly translated", while another recommends it as a good option for those who find other translations too archaic.

Long translation

There are many translations of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations available, and the best one for you will depend on your preferences. Here is a list of some of the most popular translations:

Meditations: A New Translation by Gregory Hays

This is the most popular modern translation of The Meditations. It is concise, engaging, and accessible, with nearly 19,000 reviews on Amazon, averaging 4.7/5. Hays' translation is eloquently written and highly accessible to both philosophers and ordinary readers. However, it may not always be an accurate representation of what Marcus Aurelius actually said. One reviewer noted that Hays' language resonated with them, and they found the endnotes extremely helpful. Another reviewer praised the translation for being simple while still preserving the message.

Meditations: with selected correspondence (Oxford World’s Classics) – translation by Robin Hard

This translation by Robin Hard brings out the eloquence and universality of Marcus Aurelius' thoughts. It boasts a high rating of 4.7/5 on Amazon and provides a unique introduction with notes by Christopher Gill. Hard's translation offers a more intimate and direct approach to Marcus Aurelius' thoughts. One reviewer noted that they found this translation less common but still excellent.

The Emperor’s Handbook: A New Translation of the Meditations – translated by C. Scot Hicks and David V. Hicks

The Emperor's Handbook stands out for its ease of reading. The prose is rendered in modern American English, making it highly accessible to contemporary audiences. Short sidebar quotes are included every two or three pages, allowing readers to skim through the book while still capturing Marcus Aurelius' wisdom. The translators also include extensive notes that support the text and provide additional reference material for further study.

Meditations (Penguin Classics) – translated by Martin Hammond

The Penguin Classics translation by Martin Hammond is another reliable and readable version of Meditations. One reviewer noted that they found some parts of this translation difficult, but overall, it captures and depicts Aurelius' musings and thoughts in a cohesive and understandable way.

Meditations – translated by George Long

This translation by George Long is available for free and uses some old English, with "thee" and "thy." While it may contain some outdated language, it can be a decent option to test the material before purchasing a different translation.

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