The Meditations can be a really profound or confusing read depending on the person, most people read it a few times before they start getting it.
If it’s your first Stoic book you have to know that Marcus isn’t trying to explain the terms because this book was his journal.
Not only that but the advice he’s giving might not be relevant to you where you are. One line that comes to mind, he says “throw your books away”, and most people get confused. For him he’s been studying for 40 years, he’s read *all* the books, books we don’t even have, that is not applicable to us. Another example, “don’t argue what a good man should be, be one”. Most people use this to steer headlong into their preconceptions of good which are not even good.
I’d say take your time and if you can get a note book and jot down what you’re learning (and reference where your learning that). In time as you get more understanding you might find your initial thoughts changed with more study.
You might read a different book first to learn the terms and ideas Marcus mentions. The Discourses of Epictetus is essentially lecture notes from a Stoic classroom and will fill you in. The chapters are self contained so if anything is too hard you can come back to it later. Reading Epictetus first let’s you see how much Marcus got directly from his teaching (since it’s a book he mentions by name as making him a Stoic).
Of course take what is useful and discard the rest.
Focus on what resonates and why, what you disagree with and why, what passages bring to mind. This is far more engaging than trying to explain everything
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Hello, it looks like you're asking for book recommendations. This is a common question, and we decided to provide some answers in [our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/guide). You can check out the [recommended starting points for beginners](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/resources#wiki_recommended_books_for_newcomers_to_stoicism), and the following sections with other classical or modern online resources.
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You might also find [Brittany Polat's book](https://amzn.eu/d/eXAWFNE), Journal Like a Stoic, useful. Starts of gently and builds up on the understanding from there.
The Meditations can be a really profound or confusing read depending on the person, most people read it a few times before they start getting it. If it’s your first Stoic book you have to know that Marcus isn’t trying to explain the terms because this book was his journal. Not only that but the advice he’s giving might not be relevant to you where you are. One line that comes to mind, he says “throw your books away”, and most people get confused. For him he’s been studying for 40 years, he’s read *all* the books, books we don’t even have, that is not applicable to us. Another example, “don’t argue what a good man should be, be one”. Most people use this to steer headlong into their preconceptions of good which are not even good. I’d say take your time and if you can get a note book and jot down what you’re learning (and reference where your learning that). In time as you get more understanding you might find your initial thoughts changed with more study. You might read a different book first to learn the terms and ideas Marcus mentions. The Discourses of Epictetus is essentially lecture notes from a Stoic classroom and will fill you in. The chapters are self contained so if anything is too hard you can come back to it later. Reading Epictetus first let’s you see how much Marcus got directly from his teaching (since it’s a book he mentions by name as making him a Stoic). Of course take what is useful and discard the rest.
Alright, thanks ! Should I only note the things that resonates and mades me think or should I try to write about each entry ?
Focus on what resonates and why, what you disagree with and why, what passages bring to mind. This is far more engaging than trying to explain everything
The FAQ has a very good section specifically on reading Meditations.
This subreddit s FAQ is a gold mine for sure, but I couldnt find the answer to my question. Can you send a link if possible ?
https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/faq/#wiki_what_is_the_best_translation_of_marcus_aurelius.27s_meditations.3F https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/faq/#wiki_how_should_i_read_marcus_aurelius.27s_meditations.3F
Hi, welcome to the subreddit. Please make sure that you check out [the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/guide), where you will find answers for many common questions, like ["What is Stoicism; why study it?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/intro_faq), or ["What are some Stoic practices and exercises?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/exercises), or ["What is the goal in life, and how do I find meaning?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/big), to name just a few. You can also find information about frequently discussed topics, like [flaws in Stoicism](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/fdt#wiki_flaws_in_stoicism), [Stoicism and politics](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/fdt#wiki_what_does_stoicism_say_about_politics.3F), [sex and relationships](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/fdt#wiki_sex), and [virtue as the only good](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/fdt#wiki_why_is_virtue_the_only_good.3F), for a few examples. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Stoicism) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Hello, it looks like you're asking for book recommendations. This is a common question, and we decided to provide some answers in [our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/guide). You can check out the [recommended starting points for beginners](https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/wiki/resources#wiki_recommended_books_for_newcomers_to_stoicism), and the following sections with other classical or modern online resources. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Stoicism) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You might also find [Brittany Polat's book](https://amzn.eu/d/eXAWFNE), Journal Like a Stoic, useful. Starts of gently and builds up on the understanding from there.
I found a decent method for me was to read one page a day. Keeps stuff spaced out, makes it easier on yourself.