Meditations by Marcus Aurelius vs. Barbarian Days by William Finnegan
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
From wikipedia: Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Meditations are worth reading if only to get a glimpse at the thoughts of a man who lived a life in truly extraordinary circumstances of being a Roman Emperor. It's surprising how relevant the themes of his diaries are two thousand years later.
Barbarian Days by William Finnegan
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life is William Finnegan’s story about growing up obsessed with surfing. It’s not just about catching waves—it’s about a whole way of life that’s demanding, addictive, and sometimes dangerous. Finnegan started young, learning to surf in California and Hawaii, and kept chasing waves into adulthood, traveling through places like Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, and Africa. Along the way, he mixes adventure with self-reflection, talking about friendships formed in the water, the culture around surfing, and how it all fit with the times—especially during the social changes of the 1960s and '70s. The book isn’t just about the thrill of surfing; Finnegan dives into the technical side of waves and the patience it takes to master them. He’s honest about his youthful recklessness—like taking LSD before surfing a massive wave in Maui—and the risks that came with his travels, from malaria scares to navigating shady markets. Still, surfing pulls him along, even when he’s jugg...
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Reviewed on 2/25/2025
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| Written by a Roman Emperor | 1 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius offers profound insights into Stoic philosophy and personal conduct, along with historical context from the Roman Empire. In contrast, 'Barbarian Days' is an autobiographical account focused on the author's experiences with surfing, which may appeal more to those interested in adventure and personal narratives. The choice between the two depends on whether you seek philosophical depth or a personal story about surfing.
'Meditations' is known for its practical advice on personal conduct and self-reflection, making it a valuable resource for readers looking for guidance in their lives. On the other hand, 'Barbarian Days' does not focus on practical advice but rather shares the author's experiences and reflections on surfing. Therefore, if practical advice is what you seek, 'Meditations' is the better choice.
'Meditations' holds significant historical value as it provides insights into the thoughts of a Roman Emperor and the philosophical ideas of Stoicism, which have influenced many throughout history. In contrast, 'Barbarian Days' is a contemporary autobiography that, while it may resonate with readers interested in surfing culture, does not carry the same historical weight. Thus, 'Meditations' is more historically significant.
'Meditations' is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180. It consists of his private notes to himself and his ideas on Stoic philosophy. The book offers practical advice on personal conduct and provides historical insight into Roman times.
Pros of 'Meditations by Marcus Aurelius' include practical advice on personal conduct, historical insight into Roman times, and the unique perspective of being written by a Roman Emperor. There are currently no listed cons for the book.
'Meditations' was written by Marcus Aurelius, who was the Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180.
'Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life' is a memoir by William Finnegan that chronicles his lifelong obsession with surfing. The book explores not only the thrill of catching waves but also the culture surrounding surfing, the friendships formed in the water, and the personal reflections that come with a life dedicated to this demanding and sometimes dangerous sport. Finnegan shares his experiences from California and Hawaii to Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, and Africa, blending adventure with introspection.
'Barbarian Days' delves into several themes, including the passion and addiction associated with surfing, the risks involved in pursuing this lifestyle, and the impact of social changes during the 1960s and '70s. Finnegan reflects on his youthful recklessness, the technical aspects of surfing, and the balance between his career as a war reporter and his love for the ocean.
William Finnegan's writing in 'Barbarian Days' is characterized by vivid descriptions and a reflective tone. He captures both the beauty and the challenges of surfing, making readers feel as if they are experiencing the adventures alongside him. His narrative combines storytelling with insightful observations about life, friendship, and the allure of the ocean.
While there are no specific pros and cons listed for 'Barbarian Days', readers often appreciate its engaging storytelling and deep exploration of surfing culture. Some may find the technical aspects of surfing and the author's personal reflections to be less appealing if they are not interested in the sport. Overall, it is celebrated for its literary quality and the way it captures the essence of a life spent chasing waves.
