The discussion dives into Marcus Aurelius' unique take on reading, urging listeners to reconsider their literary pursuits. He believed that books should inspire self-transformation rather than serve as distractions. Challenging the conventional Great Books movement, the conversation highlights the importance of choosing texts that promote moral and spiritual growth. The value of reading for leisure is also explored, emphasizing its potential to catalyze personal development and enhance one's engagement with life.
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Marcus Aurelius on Reading Purpose
Marcus Aurelius advises throwing away books to avoid distraction and focus on living well.
He suggests most reading can degrade life rather than enhance it, emphasizing brevity and purpose in reading.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Read for Self-Transformation
Read primarily for self-transformation, not just education or pleasure.
Focus on works that serve as spiritual exercises for moral improvement.
insights INSIGHT
Tailor Reading to Your Role
Great books programs have value but mainly suit those called to master them.
Most should read to encounter virtuous examples and cultivate personal excellence.
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In 'The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages', Harold Bloom defends the concept of the Western literary canon by discussing 26 writers whom he considers central to it. Bloom argues against what he terms the 'school of resentment', which includes feminist, Marxist, and post-structuralist literary criticisms that he believes threaten the aesthetic values of literature. He emphasizes the importance of originality and the 'anxiety of influence' in literary works, with a particular focus on the impact of Shakespeare on subsequent literature. The book is divided into sections that trace the development of the Western canon through different ages, from the Theocratic Age to the Chaotic Age of the 20th century[1][3][5].
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Beauty
Beauty
None
Stefan Sagmeister and Jessica Walsh
Should you really be reading all those "great books"? Marcus Aurelius had strong opinions about this. He repeatedly told himself to throw away his books and stop getting distracted by endless reading lists.
In this episode, Caleb challenges the popular Great Books movement and explores what Marcus Aurelius would think about our obsession with reading everything. The emperor-philosopher believed reading should transform you, not just educate you. He saw most reading as distraction from the real work of living.
Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied 
