Marcus Aurelius is one of the prominent Stoics of history. He is best known for his writings captured in Meditations. Meditations was shared after his death as it was never meant for public presentation as it was a personal journal. In “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius 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 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 not only for his political leadership but also for his philosophical writings. He is considered one of the “Five Good Emperors” of Rome.

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.

Despite the demands of his role as emperor, Marcus Aurelius 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’s life presented many challenges allowing him many opportunities to practice Stoic philosophy. A few of these challenges are listed below:

• Military Campaigns: He spent a substantial part of his reign on military campaigns, particularly against Germanic and Sarmatian tribes along the Danube frontier. These campaigns demanded his attention and leadership, placing a strain on the Roman military and resources.

• 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.

Marcus Aurelius passed away on March 17, 180 AD, while on a military campaign in the Danube region. 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.

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: As emperor, 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 own 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: As a ruler, 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 the challenges of his life, maintain inner peace, and strive for personal and moral excellence despite the external circumstances he faced.

This article is but a short summary. The study of 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

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Marcus Aurelius Entry 

World History Encyclopedia – Marcus Aurelius Entry