I agree about "Meditations." It's great for dipping into, and contains many pearls of wisdom. But he's not making a sustained argument the way philosophers are supposed to do.
I certainly think part of that is simply the book's intent. Since it was never meant to be published — it was just his own private musings — I'm sure he didn't feel the need to make a sustained argument. There are many ways in which modern readers have put a frame on that book that was never meant to be.
I've not read Meditations all the way through yet, but dry and cold is my take too. However, there are definitely quite a few gold nuggets of wisdom in it, foremost the one you quote about being good. At 53, I just may be at the age that it's a small doses thing. I do wish I would have known about Meditations in my late teens or twenties.
I definitely agree that there are timeless nuggets of wisdom contained within. I frequently tell myself, as Marcus did, that "I will deal with stupid people today." Ha!
I can't get into either of these guys but I love Amy Tan. Been thinking about this book but you got me to look for it on my library. Put a hold on it. Thanks!
I agree about "Meditations." It's great for dipping into, and contains many pearls of wisdom. But he's not making a sustained argument the way philosophers are supposed to do.
I certainly think part of that is simply the book's intent. Since it was never meant to be published — it was just his own private musings — I'm sure he didn't feel the need to make a sustained argument. There are many ways in which modern readers have put a frame on that book that was never meant to be.
I've not read Meditations all the way through yet, but dry and cold is my take too. However, there are definitely quite a few gold nuggets of wisdom in it, foremost the one you quote about being good. At 53, I just may be at the age that it's a small doses thing. I do wish I would have known about Meditations in my late teens or twenties.
I definitely agree that there are timeless nuggets of wisdom contained within. I frequently tell myself, as Marcus did, that "I will deal with stupid people today." Ha!
Just about every single day!
I can't get into either of these guys but I love Amy Tan. Been thinking about this book but you got me to look for it on my library. Put a hold on it. Thanks!
Hope you enjoy it!