Meditations - Aurelius, Marcus

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Résumé :
Meditations is a series of personal reflections by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor 161-180 CE, written over a series of years in far-flung places as he led the Romans in military campaigns, quashed revolts, and dealt with the other tribulations of governing the Empire. It is best described as a spiritual journal, containing a record of the emperor's philosophical exercises. Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. In it he sets forth his ideas on Stoic philosophy. The influence Meditations has had over centuries of thought is immeasurable. This unendingly moving and inspiring work is often cited alongside Jean Jacques Rousseau's Confessions and St. Augustine's Confessions in discussions of the most profoundly spiritual works outside of the Bible. Recently, former U.S. President Bill Clinton called Meditations his favorite book....

Biographie:
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was the Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He was taught at home by some of the best tutors. He is best known today for his unique, insightful collection of personal reflections: Meditations.

Sommaire:
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus ( 26 April 121 - 17 March 180) was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He was a member of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, the last of the rulers later known as the Five Good Emperors and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, an age of relative peace, calm, and stability for the Roman Empire lasting from 27 BC to 180 AD. He served as Roman consul in 140, 145, and 161.Marcus Aurelius was the son of the praetor Marcus Annius Verus and his wife, Domitia Calvilla. He was related through marriage to the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Marcus's father died when he was three, and he was raised by his mother and paternal grandfather. After Hadrian's adoptive son, Aelius Caesar, died in 138, Hadrian adopted Marcus's uncle Antoninus Pius as his new heir. In turn, Antoninus adopted Marcus and Lucius, the son of Aelius. Hadrian died that year, and Antoninus became emperor. Now heir to the throne, Marcus studied Greek and Latin under tutors such as Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto. He married Antoninus's daughter Faustina in 145....