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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
Practical Thoughts, a moral dimension.
"It has been said that the Stoic philosophy first showed its real value when it passed from Greece to Rome.
The doctrines of Zeno and his successors were well suited to the gravity and practical good sense of the Romans; and even in the Republican period we have an example of a man, M. Cato Uticensis, who lived the life of a Stoic and died consistently with the opinions which he professed. "He was a man", says Cicero, "who embraced the Stoic philosophy from conviction; not for the purpose of vain discussion, as most did, but in order to make his life conformable to the Stoic precepts."
In the wretched times from the death of Augustus to the murder of Domitian, there was nothing but the Stoic philosophy which could console and support the followers of the old religion under imperial tyranny and amidst universal corruption. There were even then noble minds that could dare and endure, sustained by a good conscience and an elevated idea of the purposes of man's existence. Thus wrote George Long
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus; stages in life.
A Short Biography of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
The Philosopher King! The last of five good emperors.
Marcus Aurelius was raised with great care. He was expressing gratitude to the Gods for his upbringing, which included good grandparents, parents, sister, teachers, associates, kinsmen, and friends. He said that he was fortunate to witness the example of his uncle and adoptive father Antoninus Pius, whose virtues and wisdom he praised in his writings. Marcus married Antoninus Pius' daughter Faustina in 145. After Antoninus Pius died in 161, Marcus acceded to the throne alongside his adoptive brother. His adoptive brother took the regnal name Lucius Aurelius Verus.
Under the reign of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Empire witnessed much military conflict. In the East, the Romans fought the Parthian war of Lucius Verus with a revitalized Parthian Empire and the rebel Kingdom of Armenia. Marcus defended empire from the attacks from the North and defeated Germanic tribes; the Marcomanni, Quadi, and others in what is now known as Marcomannic Wars.
Marcus Aurelius is known for his "Meditations" on Stoic philosophy. His work, "Meditations," is an exposition of Stoic philosophy and is considered one of the important contribution to the works of Stoic philosophy. Although he does not use traditional Stoic vocabulary and did not create a comprehensive system of philosophy his philosophical ideas are considered practical application of Stoic philosophy. have had a considerable influence on later generations.
Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180, in Vindobona (Vienna, Austria) or Sirmium, Pannonia. His life and works continue to inspire and influence people around the world, symbolizing wisdom, integrity, and philosophical insight. His legacy as a philosopher-king endures, making him one of the most respected figures in world history.
It is important to note that all ancient philosophers developed their philosophies and writings in the context of their own times. They were all influenced by the circumstances and the people around them and the places in which they lived.
The Ancient Romans were a civilization deeply rooted in tradition and ancestry. Their societal structure, religious practices, and political system were all heavily influenced by their reverence for their ancestors and the ancient customs they had established.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus; later in life.
The Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
The Philosopher King! The last of five good emperors.
Marcus was an eclectic philosopher of practicality and diversity. Despite not producing a significant amount of work in theoretical philosophy or achieving high academic standards, Marcus excelled in applied philosophy, viewing philosophy as a lifestyle. This assessment is largely accurate and justified. However, to fully appreciate Marcus' philosophical abilities can be seen in the Meditations, it's important to remember that in ancient times, philosophy wasn't just about theoretical arguments. While such theoretical arguments were present and significant, they were part of a larger understanding of philosophy as a lifestyle, the way of life.. The goal wasn't just to rationally comprehend the world in an academic sense, but to let this understanding guide one's life. Keeping this definition of 'philosophy' in mind allows us to recognize the purpose and philosophical value of Marcus' Meditations.
Traditionally, Marcus is considered a Stoic. This is supported by the ancient biographer, Julius Capitolinus, and Marcus himself references several Stoics who taught him, particularly noting Rusticus, from whom he borrowed a copy of Epictetus' works (Med. 1.7). However, Marcus never explicitly identifies himself as a Stoic in the Meditations. This could be because Marcus was writing solely for himself, not trying to define his identity for an audience. Nonetheless, it's fair to say that Marcus was open to ideas from other philosophical traditions, showing a strong affinity for Stoic philosophy, but not being a blind follower of Stoicism.
During his military campaigns between 170 and 180, Marcus penned his Meditations in Koine Greek as notes or a diary for his own personal growth and improvement. The original title of this work, if it had one, is unknown. 'Meditations' and other titles like 'To Himself' were added later. Marcus was a logical thinker, and his notes embody Stoic philosophy and spirituality. Meditations continues to be revered as a literary testament to a governance of service and duty.
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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
A Philosopher King!
An Outline of Marcus' Philosophy
It is difficult to produce a brief summary of his philosophy for he is an eclectic thinker. However, a larger study can be found in the attached article with detailed examination of how he incorporated Stoic philosophy into his life. Notwithstanding this, here is a brief summary:
Stoicism as established by Zeno of Citium and further developed by Cleanthes and Chrysippus into a comprehensive philosophical and logical system, is the foundation of Marcus' philosophy. Marcus' focus is primarily on personal ethics guided by logic and natural law.
Key Philosophical Concepts
+ Logos (Universal Reason)
The belief that the universe is governed by a rational principle.
The alignment of human actions with this universal reason.
+ Virtue as the Highest Good
The ultimate goal is virtue (moral excellence).
The four cardinal virtues are wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
+ Control and Acceptance
The dichotomy of control: differentiating what is within our control from what is not.
The emphasis is on accepting what cannot be changed and concentrating on our own actions and reactions.
+ Impermanence and Death
Contemplation on the fleeting nature of life.
Promotion of acceptance of mortality to live a virtuous life devoid of fear.
+ Interconnectedness and Cosmopolitanism
Perceiving oneself as part of a larger entity (the cosmos).
Emphasis on the unity of humanity and acting for the collective good.
+ Practical Applications
Practice of Personal Discipline and Self-Improvement.
Daily practices for self-reflection and betterment.
Methods for maintaining tranquillity and emotional resilience.
Leadership, Governance, Self Leadership.
Application of Stoic principles in leadership.
Marcus Aurelius' approach to ruling with wisdom and justice.
+ Influence and Legacy
Impact on subsequent philosophical and ethical thought.
Influence on modern self-help and cognitive-behavioural therapy.
The ongoing relevance of his teachings in today's world.
LINKS DOCUMENTS AND ESSAYS DESCRIBING THE TOPIC IN MORE DETAIL
More detailed information and the exposition of Marcus Antoninus' philosophy is available for download. We have divided a book about Markus and his philosophy into 4 parts.
All parts are quite technical, and it is necessary that one should read the Introduction first for it explains the technicalities.
Titles of four parts follow below. Links to documents downloads are at the end of this column.
Introduction - PLEASE READ!
This document explains how this book is written, and the language and resources used.
The Biography of Marcus Antoninus
This document explains and presents the person, the people in his life, and the environment in which he lived.
The Philosophy of Marcus Antoninus
This is a thesis explaining his philosophy in the context of his time and the relevance of his ethics to twenty first century
And finally:
The Meditations
The book or notes Marcus wrote to himself is better known as the Meditations. Translation from Greek by George Long.
Introduction_PLEASE_READ is available for download:
Download PDF
Detailed biography available for download:
Download PDF
Thesis on Marcus' philosophy, available for download:
Download PDF
THE MEDITATIONS by Marcus Antoninus download:
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SOME SHORT REFLECTIONS:
Marcus Antoninus himself exemplified practical moralism. From his youth, he embraced a life of labour and reflection, eschewing passivity for active engagement with the world. "Not in passivity (the passive effects) but in activity lie the evil and the good of the rational social animal, just as his virtue and his vice lie not in passivity, but in activity" (Book 9, 16).
Antoninus' conviction of the existence of a divine power and government was founded on his perception of the order of the universe. Like Socrates (Xen. Mem., iv. 3, 13, etc.) he says that though we cannot see the forms of divine powers, we know that they exist because we see their works.
A human should have a goal or purpose in life to which he or she can devote all energy, preferably a good and noble goal (Book 2, 7). A person who lacks a life goal cannot maintain consistency throughout his life. Bacon echoes this sentiment, suggesting "reducing of the mind unto virtue and good estate; which is, the electing and propounding unto a man's self good and virtuous ends of his life, such as may be in a reasonable sort within his compass to attain." (Book 9, 21).
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