Meditations

This chapter provides an introduction to the life and reign of Marcus Aurelius, detailing his noble lineage, adoption by Antoninus Pius, and Stoic education. It chronicles his accession to the throne, the Parthian and northern frontier wars, and the rebellion of Avidius Cassius. The text highlights his administrative conscientiousness, his efforts to protect the weak, and the persecution of Christians during his rule. It concludes with a discussion on the inadequacy of Roman state religion, leading devout souls to philosophy, and begins an overview of the history and tenets of the Stoic school founded by Zeno.

This chapter consists of textual notes and emendations regarding the Greek manuscript of Book II. It addresses specific passages, such as Marcus Aurelius's education, references to Claudius Maximus, and various terms like 'congiaries' and 'idiots.' The editor discusses doubtful readings, conjectural restorations of missing verbs, and attempts to clarify obscure or corrupt sections of the text.

The text appears to be unsound, suggesting that "Agathos" may not be a proper name but rather implies "the good man ought." The term "oikonomian" refers to a practical benefit or secondary end. A translation conjecture is noted regarding the word "olan" for "ola."

This chapter provides textual notes and emendations for the preceding sections. It clarifies that the term "Roarer" refers to a tragedian and identifies specific quotations from Homer's Odyssey and Hesiod. It notes that sections XXIX and XXX appear to be paraphrases of unknown Greek sources. Further, it explains the philosophical terms 'exis' and 'fusis' regarding cohesion and growth, references Chrysippus on the use of coarse language in comedy, and corrects perceived hiatuses in the Greek text regarding the benefits applicable to all men.

This chapter consists of philological notes and textual emendations regarding Book VII of the Meditations. It provides translations for specific Greek words, such as 'ortoz' meaning 'straight, or rectified,' and clarifies 'endaimonia' through its composition. The text identifies corrupt passages, suggesting corrections like substituting 'that is little enough' for 'or if it be but few.' Additionally, it cites sources for various quotations found in the book, referencing works by Plato, Euripides, Aristophanes, and Epictetus, and explains obscure allusions, such as the comparison between Telauges and Sophocles.

This chapter provides philological notes and citations for specific references within Book X of the text. It identifies Euripides as the poet referenced in section 21 and Homer in section 34. It also notes a reference to Plato's Theaetetus in section 23, explains that 'Wood' is a translation of the Greek word for matter, and suggests that 'Rhetoric' in section 38 may be better translated as the gift of speech or the decree of the reasoning faculty.

This chapter provides a glossary of proper names, obsolete words, and philosophical concepts referenced throughout the text. It includes brief biographies of historical figures such as Roman Emperors (Adrian, Antoninus Pius, Augustus, Tiberius, Trajan, Vespasian), philosophers (Antisthenes, Chrysippus, Democritus, Diogenes, Epicurus, Plato, Socrates, Zeno), and other notable individuals like Alexander the Great and Phocion. Additionally, it defines terms related to Stoic philosophy (Apathia, Dogmata, Middle things), ancient culture (Circus, Comedy, Palestra), and obscure vocabulary (Aposteme, Cautelous, Chirurgeon). The entries offer context for understanding the references and allusions found in the main work.