While the Gregory Hays translation is a modern, copyrighted work, various digital versions and older public-domain translations are available online:
If you want the Hays translation without paying the $11.99 cover price, you have legitimate options that are just as good as a free PDF.
If you are looking for a post to share or a way to read this version, here are the key details and legal alternatives: Why the Gregory Hays Translation?
The Hays translation is highly recommended because it uses . It removes the "thee" and "thou" found in older versions, making Marcus Aurelius's Stoic advice on death, change, and the rational mind much easier to digest for modern readers. Quick Facts
If your goal is simply to read Marcus Aurelius at no cost, several excellent older translations are legally free as PDFs, e‑pubs, or online texts:
On “free PDF” availability and copyright
For users seeking the text without purchasing a physical copy, the following legitimate options exist:
The Timeless Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius: A Guide to the Gregory Hays Translation of Meditations
