Marcus Aurelius, who ruled Rome from 161 to 180 AD, is renowned not only as a just, wise, and successful emperor but also for his unique title—"philosopher." His work Meditations (also referred to as To Himself) is considered one of the key sources of Stoic philosophy, alongside the writings of Seneca (1st century AD) and Epictetus (1st–2nd centuries AD).

This work is exceptional in many ways. Firstly, it was addressed by the author to himself, a rarity in ancient literature. Secondly, it was written not in Latin, the official language of Rome, but in Greek—the primary language of philosophical discourse. Moreover, it was likely never intended for publication. Unlike systematic treatises on Stoicism, Meditations uses the form of personal reflections, aphorisms, and concise observations, filled with profound thoughts, moral reminders, and self-discipline exercises.

Despite being deeply introspective, the book holds universal and timeless significance, offering wisdom that has resonated with generations. Since its first printed edition in 1559, Meditations has been published countless times and translated into many languages, profoundly influencing notable public figures, politicians, and intellectuals.

This edition presents the first complete Armenian translation of Meditations, based on the original Ancient Greek text, accompanied by a scholarly introduction and extensive annotations.

Translated from Ancient Greek, with introduction and annotations by Aram Topchyan and Gohar Muradyan

Pages: 248 + 8-page insert