Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor and His Timeless Wisdom
Marcus Aurelius is one of the prominent Stoic philosophers of history. He is best known for his writings, which are captured in Meditations. Meditations was shared after his death, as it was never meant for public presentation; it was a personal journal. In Meditations, he explores themes such as the nature of good and evil, the importance of self-discipline, and the idea of living in accordance with nature.
His Stoic philosophy advocates for self-control, resilience in the face of adversity, and an understanding of the transient nature of life. Marcus wanted to be a philosopher from a young age rather than an Emperor. He was not convinced that an Emperor could balance the principles of stoicism with leadership responsibilities. Fortunately, he had a good mentor to show him the way.
Who was Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD, during a period known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). Born on April 26, 121 AD, in Rome, Marcus Aurelius is perhaps best remembered for his political leadership and philosophical writings. He is considered one of the “Five Good Emperors” in Roman history.
Aurelius’ full name is Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, and he came from a prominent and well-connected family. His family had a strong connection to the ruling dynasty, and Marcus Aurelius himself was adopted by the emperor Antoninus Pius, whom he succeeded. Antoninus Pius was the role model that Marcus needed to see that one could be virtuous and an Emperor at the same time.
Despite the demands of his role as emperor, he is said to have lived a life of personal simplicity and modesty. His commitment to Stoic principles is evident in his writings, where he often reflects on the challenges of leadership and the importance of maintaining one’s moral integrity in the face of power.
Marcus Aurelius believed that the ultimate goal of life is to live virtuously. For him, the stoic virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control were the foundation of a meaningful life. He also placed high importance to living in accordance with the natural order of the universe. This meant accepting life’s challenges and changes as part of a greater cosmic plan.
What Challenges Did Marcus Aurelius Face?
His life presented many challenges allowing him many opportunities to practice the stoic principles that were so dear to him. A short list of his challenges include:
Military Campaigns: He spent a substantial part of his reign on military campaigns, notably against Germanic and Sarmatian tribes along the Danube frontier. These campaigns demanded his attention and leadership, straining the Roman military and resources.Stoic philosophy. A few of these challenges are listed below:
Border Disputes: The Roman Empire, during Marcus Aurelius’ rule, faced persistent threats from external forces. Germanic tribes, such as the Marcomanni and Quadi, launched invasions into Roman territories, leading to prolonged military engagements and border conflicts.
Economic Strain: The costs of maintaining a vast empire and sustaining military campaigns imposed a significant economic burden. Marcus Aurelius had to navigate financial challenges and find ways to fund the empire’s needs while managing the economic impact of prolonged conflicts. He went as far as to sell state possessions to ease the economic strain.
Political Intrigues: The politics of ancient Rome were often characterized by intrigue and power struggles. Marcus Aurelius had to navigate the complex web of political relationships, manage potential threats to his rule, and ensure the stability of the Roman government.
Health Issues: Marcus Aurelius struggled with health issues during his life. He suffered from various ailments, possibly including stomach problems. Despite his physical challenges, he continued to fulfill his duties as emperor and military leader.
Philosophical Tensions: Marcus Aurelius, as a Stoic philosopher, faced the challenge of applying his philosophical principles to the complexities of ruling an empire. The Stoic emphasis on virtue, self-discipline, and acceptance of fate influenced his decision-making, but aligning philosophical ideals with the practicalities of governance was a continual challenge.
Plague: During his reign, the Roman Empire experienced the Antonine Plague (possibly smallpox or measles), which had a devastating impact on the population. Dealing with the social and economic consequences of the pandemic added an additional layer of challenge for Marcus Aurelius.
Personal grief and loss: Marcus Aurelius faced personal challenges, including the death of his co-emperor and adoptive brother Lucius Verus, as well as the death of his children. Dealing with personal grief while shouldering the responsibilities of leadership added emotional strain to his life.
Navigating these challenges required a combination of political acumen, military leadership, and a commitment to Stoic principles. Marcus Aurelius’ reflections in the “Meditations” provide glimpses into how he grappled with these challenges and sought to maintain his own moral integrity in the face of adversity.
Practicing Stoicism
Marcus Aurelius’ practice of Stoicism is well-documented in his personal reflections, the “Meditations.” In these writings, he provides insights into how he applied Stoic principles to various aspects of his life, particularly in his role as a Roman Emperor. Here are some examples of Marcus Aurelius practicing Stoicism:
Acceptance of Fate: Marcus Aurelius frequently reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. He emphasizes the Stoic principle of accepting one’s fate and recognizing the impermanence of all things. For example, he writes, “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
Endurance in Adversity: Marcus faced numerous challenges, including military campaigns and political struggles. In the face of adversity, he practiced Stoic resilience and endurance. In the “Meditations,” he writes, “Our life is what our thoughts make it,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining inner strength and control over one’s mind.
Detachment from External Events: Stoicism advocates for maintaining inner tranquility by detaching oneself from external events beyond one’s control. Marcus Aurelius reflects on this in his writings, stating, “If you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgment of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgment now.”
Focus on Virtue: Central to Stoicism is the pursuit of virtue as the highest good. Marcus Aurelius consistently emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life and maintaining moral integrity. He writes, “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
Mindfulness and Self-Examination: Marcus Aurelius practiced self-examination and mindfulness as part of his Stoic philosophy. He believed in reflecting on his actions and thoughts. In the “Meditations,” he advises, “Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.”
Equanimity in Leadership: Marcus faced the complexities of leadership. He maintained a sense of equanimity, understanding that external events and the actions of others were beyond his control. He writes, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it.”
These examples demonstrate how Marcus Aurelius applied Stoic principles to navigate his life’s challenges, maintain inner peace, and strive for personal and moral excellence despite the external circumstances he faced.
Marcus Aurelius’s Death
Marcus Aurelius passed away on March 17, 180 AD, while on a military campaign in the Danube region. The exact cause of his death is unknown but is widely thought to be of natural causes. Some accounts believe the Atonine Plague was the cause but this does not seem to be verified.
The death of Marcus Aurelius marked the end of the Pax Romana and initiated a period of increased instability and challenges for the Roman Empire.
The subsequent decades saw a series of political, economic, and military difficulties that contributed to the broader historical narrative of the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Aurelius’s son, Commodus, succeeded him as the Roman Emperor. Commodus’ reign, however, was characterized by controversy, mismanagement, and a departure from the principles of his Stoic father.
Conclusion:
Marcus Aurelius was a profound philosopher known for his Stoic wisdom. His legacy to us today is his personal journal, “Meditations,” that explores themes of virtue, self-discipline, and acceptance of fate, offering timeless insights into living a fulfilling life.
Despite the immense challenges of leading an empire, including military conflicts, political intrigues, and personal tragedies, Aurelius remained grounded in Stoic principles, demonstrating resilience and moral integrity.
His writings provide a glimpse into how he navigated adversity while striving for inner peace and virtue. Aurelius emphasized self-control, recognizing that true happiness lies within oneself, not in external circumstances. His Meditations continue to inspire readers today, offering guidance on finding meaning and purpose in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
This article is but a summary. Studying Meditations is key to learning much more about this extraordinary man.
Resources:
Encyclopedia Britannica Biography of Marcus Aurelius
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Marcus Aurelius Entry
Written By Tony Harte
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