Rating: 
Summary: A source of inspiration
Review: "What is its individual make-up? Its essence, form, and matter?..
(Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, VIII, 11)
I recall when I had in-class Greek examinations, and we were asked to translate quotes of Marcus Aurelius chosen at random. Chance did let me encounter this verse a few times, and each time I did put more effort finalized in the understanding and expression of meanings implied in these straightforward questions.
The greatness of this work could best be found in its brevity and simplicity. The plain style, and the naturalness of writing are persuasive. The moral truths that Marcus Aurelius had accepted in the past, and that much had enlightened his being both an emperor and a conflictual human-being, have been transposed in memorable form. Marcus Aurelius'soliloquy and self-analysis are a great spiritual exercise. As such, the book is an exhortation to think and meditate, and it is especially addressed to those who hold the power, and are in charge of other people who stand for them. The dynamics of leadership haven't changed in the millenia: [Yet] I ask myself if today's leaders are driven and inspired by such honesty of intents?! Marcus Aurelius had been influenced by the work of Epictetus. Both belong to the late Stoicism: A period that didn't produce anything of original. In this viewpoint, it could be argued that "the Meditations" were a moral set of catchphrases of the earlier Stoa. As such, this work doesn't bring any novelty neither in physics, nor in logics, and ethics, or epistemology. It could also be argued that Marcus Aurelius was not a philosopher at all, but rather a self-disciplined and very well-educated man and leader. He didn't produce these chapters neither for a vast audience nor for publication. Things are best remembered when written down. As such, the emperor wrote expressions of his thought, and read them again and again to himself. I believe that this discipline much helped him to find the strength and willpower necessary to face enemies outside (and inside) Rome, and the destiny of the antiquity's greatest empire. The "Meditations" are therefore a powerful and elightening work of self-analysis and virtues' devotion. Although it does not add anything new to the phylosophical Zeitgeist, it can be argued that -- on the contrary, both brevity and simplicity, are here best expressed with a plain, natural, and unpretentious style. Such lack of redundant embellishments make this work a duly inspiring masterwork. This version is a very solid and contemporary transposition of Marcus Aurelius'notes. Both mastery and choice of terms are remarkable. Not only the Hicks have captured the essence and clarity of the emperor's thought and affection, but also have given him fresh and renewed life and recognition.
Rating:
Summary: A Guidebook to a Harmonious Life
Review: Although written almost 2000 years ago, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius remains one of the best and most practical books ever written. If you are seeking a guidebook to a harmonious life under any circumstances, this book is the best investment you could ever make. This is an excellent translation that is timely and fluid. Some of these ideas make appearances in popular self-help books from time to time, but no one can match the force of the entire work. You can read it straight through, or open to a random page for insights on a daily basis. I'm giving a copy to my son for his 12th birthday.
Rating:
Summary: A Guidebook to a Harmonious Life
Review: Although written almost 2000 years ago, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius remains one of the best and most practical books ever written. If you are seeking a guidebook to a harmonious life under any circumstances, this book is the best investment you could ever make. This is an excellent translation that is timely and fluid. Some of these ideas make appearances is popular self-help books from time to time, but no one can match the force of the entire work. You can read it straight through, or open to a random page for insights on a daily basis. I'm giving a copy to my son for his 12th birthday.
Rating:
Summary: Renewing the foundations
Review: David and Scot Hicks have brought us the penetrating wisdom of Marcus Aurelius vividly and with a freshness that seems lacking in most translations of the ancients. Aurelius wrote directly, without pomposity, naturally. David and Scot have imititated him, making him accessible. I will be using this book with my high school students, encouraging them to reflect each day on one of the numbered sections or mini-chapters. And I will be using it myself as I lead my organization. One of my favorites: "So you don't dazzle them with your blazing intellect. Get over it!... Let the virtues you do possess shine forth" Maybe wisdom and virtue are more fashionable at some times than others, but given the obvious need for them today David and Scot Hicks have provided a much-needed brick for the foundation of our civilization.
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Summary: This Is Amazing
Review: Easy to read and incredibly stimulating. Reading this book will bring great enlightenment. Awesome.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST !
Review: I have read several translations of this great work..and without a doubt this is the finest available. What makes this the best is its ability to seem both classical and modern at the same time..in other words its not overly stuffy--nor is it distorted into "New Age" drivle. Don't think twice about buying this..you won't be dissapointed.
Rating:
Summary: The best translation available!
Review: The Hicks brothers have produced a handsome volume of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius that is also the best translation available. The old Penguin edition translation was servicable. George Long's translation was incomprehensible in many parts. The Gregory Hays translation does very well but is not as transparently clear and as elegant as this one. I got this book the first week that it came out and it will be my preferred edition for many years to come. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterful Translation of a Masterpiece
Review: The Hicks brothers' collaboration has produced a masterful translation of a masterpiece. "The Emperor's Handbook" captures the sublime essence and ancient character of "The Meditations" but never strays into the arcane terminology of the ancient Stoics. The Hicks brothers also avoid the forced and complex grammatical constructs found in other translations. This translation could easily be understood by a sixth grade child yet it sacrifices none of the profound meaning or prosaic beauty of the original. Most refreshing is the absence of any effort to turn the work into some New-Age mystical revelation. Having read about nine translations I must say, this one is, by far, the best contemporary English translation available. There are other fine ones such as the work by Hard and Gill or even the Loeb Classics version but they are better suited for people already familiar with Marcus Aurelius and Stoic philosophy. My warmest thanks go out to David and Scot Hicks for a work that I hope will broaden the audience of Marcus Aurelius.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterful Translation of a Masterpiece
Review: The Hicks brothers' collaboration has produced a masterful translation of a masterpiece. "The Emperor's Handbook" captures the sublime essence and ancient character of "The Meditations" but never strays into the arcane terminology of the ancient Stoics. The Hicks brothers also avoid the forced and complex grammatical constructs found in other translations. This translation could easily be understood by a sixth grade child yet it sacrifices none of the profound meaning or prosaic beauty of the original. Most refreshing is the absence of any effort to turn the work into some New-Age mystical revelation. Having read about nine translations I must say, this one is, by far, the best contemporary English translation available. There are other fine ones such as the work by Hard and Gill or even the Loeb Classics version but they are better suited for people already familiar with Marcus Aurelius and Stoic philosophy. My warmest thanks go out to David and Scot Hicks for a work that I hope will broaden the audience of Marcus Aurelius.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This is an excellent translation that, in its lucidity, makes the reader ruminate on proper modes of leadership. In today's corporate and media worlds where spotlights are on leaders 24/7, David and Scot's translation makes accessible to everyone one of the great tomes on leadership. Whether it be for youngsters developing their tool kits for future leadership, or for the ensconced leader of NGOs, governments, or businesses, this book will help people determine proper courses of action to follow in their own lives. David and Scot have written the clearest translation yet I have read of Marcus. I recommend it in the strongest terms. -- Shaun Rein
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