08-25-2008, 08:11 AM
I was curious what everyone thought of Gregory Hays new(er) translation of Marcus Aurelius. According to the publisher it is the first new translation in 35 years.
I hesitated a long time before buying it, simply because I was so used to Haine’s translation in Loeb. But now that I got it I’m very happy with Hays. It uses more modern language and is probably more faithful to how it was written. Marcus was a busy man, and you really feel the urgency of the language. In some places Hays even uses bullet points, probably very similar to how a busy political leader today would write down his thoughts for himself.
Here is a comparison between a couple versions of the famous passage in Book II, 5.
The only drawback I have is that it is only the Meditations. Hays’ book has no commentary, no background information, no notes and no bibliography. But for the work itself I am very pleased with it.
I hesitated a long time before buying it, simply because I was so used to Haine’s translation in Loeb. But now that I got it I’m very happy with Hays. It uses more modern language and is probably more faithful to how it was written. Marcus was a busy man, and you really feel the urgency of the language. In some places Hays even uses bullet points, probably very similar to how a busy political leader today would write down his thoughts for himself.
Here is a comparison between a couple versions of the famous passage in Book II, 5.
Quote: Every moment think steadily as a Roman and a man to do what thou hast in hand with perfect and simple dignity, and feeling of affection, and freedom, and justice; and to give thyself relief from all other thoughts.
George Long translation, 1862 (available online)
Quote:Every hour make up thy mind sturdily as a Roman and a man to do what thou hast in hand with scrupulous and unaffected dignity and love of thy kind and independence and justice; and to give thyself rest from all other impressions.
C.R. Haines translation, 1915 ?
Quote:Concentrate every minute like a Roman – like a man – on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from all other distractions.
Gregory Hays, 2003
The only drawback I have is that it is only the Meditations. Hays’ book has no commentary, no background information, no notes and no bibliography. But for the work itself I am very pleased with it.
David J. Cord
www.davidcord.com
www.davidcord.com