After our earlier look at the lives and philosophies of two Stoic philosophers, the slave Epictetus and the politician Seneca, this time we have a look at the third great Stoic philosopher: emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Life
His family originating from the same area as Seneca [Cordoba, Spain], Marcus was born son to Lucilla and Verus (III) early in the second Century AD. His father died when Marcus was around three years old [although sources claim he was nine].
Not many details are known about his early years, except that he was raised in his parent’s home in an affluent district on one of the seven hills of Rome. His paternal grandfather, Marcus Annius Verus, is said to have raised him, helped by his maternal great-grandfather, Lucius Catilius Severus. Like many children in aristocratic families, Marcus was raised and taught at home, spending time with “nurses” and his tutors.
It was one of his tutors, painter Diognetus, who introduced him to the philosophic way of life.
Bust of young Marcus
Eventually Marcus would be adopted by Aurelius Antoninus as part of the latter being selected by childless emperor Hadrian as his successor, as well as Lucius Verus was. This way, Lucius Verus became the adoptive grandson of Hadrian. This was when Marcus Verus became Marcus Aelius Aurelius Verus.
Soon after, with Hadrian still in power, the emperor requested the Senate that Marcus be exempted from the normal rule and could become Quaestor before his 24th birthday. The Senate approved and Marcus at the age of 17 only served as Quaestor, under Consul Antoninus, setting him on the path to an amazing political career, eventually becoming the most powerful man of arguably the world then.
After being adopted by Antoninus, Marcus started his training in oratory, having three Greek and one Latin tutor. Two of his tutors, Herodes Atticus and Fronto, were considered the most important orators of his era. The Greek language was undergoing a revival in the Rome aristocracy and Marcus would later write much of his thoughts in Greek.
Surprisingly enough both tutors were at odds end and Herodes Atticus was also opposed to the beliefs of stoicism. Marcus Aurelius developed a close personal friendship with Fronto, who was considered linguistically second to only Cicero or even an alternative to him, over the years and a very personal correspondence between both would continue. Despite Fronto’s dislike of and objections to Marcus turning to philosophy, the young student still pursued his personal goal, having gotten tired of the exercise of oratory.
After Antoninus ascended to the role of emperor, in 138 AD, Marcus Aurelius had to change his marriage arrangements and would now marry Faustina, Antoninus’ daughter and effectively Marcus’ now sister (they married in 145 AD).
In 140 AD Marcus was made Consul, the highest political role in Rome, and became the head of the Equestrian Order. The heir apparent also took the Caesar name: Marcus Aelius Aurelius Verus Caesar, and joined the priestly colleges at the request of the Senate. He also moved in the House of Tiberius, the imperial palace. Marcus would have a second run as Consul in 145 AD.
All through this time his correspondence with tutor, and now also friend, Fronto continued.
Marcus Aurelius became emperor in 161 AD, together with his brother Lucius Verus and later from 177 AD he co-ruled with his son, Commodus. Marcus Aurelius was highly dissatisfied by the performance of his son.
Marcus Aurelius passed away in 180 AD, as the last of The Five Good Emperors.
Philosophy
Marcus was at young aged inspired by philosophy, thanks to his tutor Apollonius but a later tutor, Quintus Junius Rusticus, would influence Marcus Aurelius most.
Marcus Aurelius’ philosophical tendencies manifested themselves rather early, both in the life he was supposed to live as heir apparent and later as emperor. Moving at young age to the imperial palace he struggled being told by Antoninus to adopt the “pomp of the court”, as was custom, but accepted it as an achievable goal in life.
... where life is possible, then it is possible to live the right life; life is possible in a palace, so it is possible to live the right life in a palace.
Also when accessing Antoninus he initially struggled with the role and task of the Imperial Office, preferring his life as a philosopher, but as an adopter of the stoic philosophy already he made it his duty and accepted the role.
Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what could more aptly fit your needs?
The most interesting thing about Marcus Aurelius reign, a reign which included famine, multiple wars, the rise of Christianity, and even the Antonine plague which killed many, is that at that point he could have taken anything he wanted. Lived in even more riches than Seneca, he was pretty much the most important person in the world, yet he proved himself worthy of the role he had.
Aurelius, a trained orator and also apt in law, would during his reign especially focus on supporting the poor people, the manumission of slaves, the guardianship of orphans and minors, and he allowed free speech contrarily to most emperors before him.
In the second half of his reign, he wrote his largest (and sole) opus, Meditations. Meditations was written in Greek and to this day is considered one of the most important works for history and public service and duty. Meditations, a collection of twelve books in total, was written for his own self-guidance and self-improvement.
Central to Meditations is the importance of self-analysis, analysing one’s own judgement and the judgment of others.
Marcus strongly advocates that one needs to learn to live with the world around them, and find acceptance and also joy in that world. Because, in the grand picture, one is but small and everything is ephemeral. Whatever you can not control (the universe, nature, the world around you) is irrelevant and shouldn’t disturb your ability to live happily in the now.
He also places much focus on being a good man, a person with strong ethical principles. Like most other stoic philosophers reason also is a strong theme throughout Meditations.
Marcus Aurelius Quotes
The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.
The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.
Almost nothing material is needed for a happy life, for he who has understood existence.
Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as on what you have already.
He who follows reason in all things is both tranquil and active at the same time, and also cheerful and collected.
Stop wishing for something else to happen, for a different fate. That is to live a false life.
Look within. Within is the foundation of good, and it will ever bubble up, if you will ever dig.
Our life is what our thoughts make it.
Do every act of your life as it were your last.
Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.
Always observe how ephemeral and worthless human things are, and what was yesterday a speck of semen tomorrow will be a mummy or ashes.
I say that virtue is more valuable than wealth to the same degree that eyes are more valuable than fingernails.
The mind in itself has no needs, except for those it creates itself. Is undisturbed, except for its own disturbances. Knows no obstructions, except those from within.
It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgments concerning them.
Consider that everything is opinion, and opinion is in your power. Take away then, when you choose, your opinion, and like a mariner who has rounded the headland, you will find calm, everything stable, and a waveless bay.
When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval.
Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil.
Inspirations and Reading
Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations has become one of the great books through history and of philosophy, even though his Meditations were originally written to himself and even not intended to be published.
Meditations has been mentioned as a favorite book by Frederick The Great, Christina of Sweden, Goethe and more recently by Bill Clinton and former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
Meditations is available for free from Project Gutenberg.