Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180 CE) is one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the history of philosophy. His name is associated with Stoicism, a branch of philosophy which focuses on developing one’s sense of truth, excellence, and virtue and which plays a key role in the development of Eastern and Western philosophy.
The Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 CE, Marcus Aurelius wrote the celebrated “Meditations”, considered by some to be the best philosophical writing of all time. Although he lived during a time of immense turmoil, it is believed that he wrote the “Meditations” in his spare moments as a personal exercise in self-improvement. It consists of twelve books, each based on a specific idea or principle such as “on the calm of mind”, “on training oneself”, and “on justice and fortitude”, and is of immense value to people trying to understand the Stoic philosophy.
Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome in 121 CE. His father was consul in 140 CE and Marcus was adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius at the age of four. He was educated by Greeks and soon became fluent in koine Greek, the language of the Eastern Empire. When he came to power in 161 CE, he set out a new direction of ethical behavior, guided by the Stoic philosophy he had inherited from his teachers.
The core of Stoicism is a belief in virtue, the internalization of judgment, and the view that all humans are part of a divine universe. Marcus Aurelius believed that if a man was to be worthy, he must focus on developing what he termed the “inner citadel” - his self-discipline, sense of reason, and developing inner peace. His writing in the “Meditations” serves as a reminder that external events are not under our control and we must develop our internal selves in order to prosper.
Marcus Aurelius was an incredibly progressive figure for his time, whose views on human rights, slavery, and justice became part of Roman law. He was also a great military strategist and was instrumental in defending Rome against the Parthian Empire and defeating the Barbarian tribes in Germania.
His writing has had a long-standing influence long beyond the borders of the Roman Empire. He has been a source of inspiration for a number of important figures including the philosopher Immanuel Kant, the great 20th century scholar of history Bertrand Russell and the revered British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
The “Meditations” remains a timeless work to this day, and are essential reading for anyone interested in Stoicism or philosophy. In his work, Marcus Aurelius covers the topics of morality, what constitutes an ideal life and how one should best face adversity and cultivate internal virtues. The most famous quote from “Meditations”,”The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts”, is especially pertinent in a world growing ever more diverse and complex.
Marcus Aurelius has left an invaluable legacy to the world. While it is easy to forget the power of his message in the face of the daily turmoil of life, the words of Marcus Aurelius still retain their power. His "Meditations" and philosophy of Stoicism are a reminder of the power of the human will and the importance of understanding our own internal faculties.
