Hovory k sobě – Aurelius Antoninus Marcus (2011)

Marcus Aurelius (121-180) is an unusual figure in ancient literature. He is renowned as a Roman emperor (161-180) and also as a philosopher. He ruled during a very turbulent, crisis-ridden time, full of military conflicts with barbarian tribes that were attacking Roman power. During a campaign to the north against the Marcomanni in 179, he reached the territory of present-day Slovakia, in the area of Trenčín. He was highly educated and literarily active. His philosophical orientation was significantly influenced by the study of the works of the Stoic Epictetus. Among other things, his correspondence written in Latin has been preserved, but he achieved the greatest acclaim with a collection of his short philosophical reflections and notes written in Greek, which he compiled during military campaigns. They are titled Ta eis heauton (?? ??? ??????), in Czech, Hovory k sobě. In them, he uniquely summarized his thoughts on the human condition and the meaning of existence, with a maximum emphasis on ethical questions. He emphasizes the transience of human life, constant change, creation and destruction, and refers to the principle of nature, the predestination of all living beings, and their equality. Hovory k sobě is among the most successful titles in the Antique Library, and in the classic translation by Rudolf Kuthan, it is being published here for the third time.