Was Marcus Aurelius a good Stoic?

The second century CE Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was also a Stoic philosopher, and his Meditations, which he wrote to and for himself, offers readers a unique opportunity to see how an ancient person (indeed an emperor) might try to live a Stoic life, according to which only virtue is good, only vice is bad, and the …

What did Marcus Aurelius say about Stoicism?

“Stay calm and serene regardless of what life throws at you.” One of the most succinct statements of Stoic philosophy that we have available today is the book “Meditations”. It was written by Marcus Aurelius during the last ten years of his life while he was on military campaign.

What caused Marcus Aurelius downfall?

Marcus was obliged to spend the majority of his reign fighting back Germanic tribes attempting to invade from the north. The trouble began in 167, when two Germanic tribes – the Obii and the Langobardi – forced their way into Pannonia, and these wars would occupy Marcus on-and-off for the rest of his reign.

Did Marcus Aurelius call himself a Stoic?

Stoicism. According to tradition, Marcus was a Stoic. His ancient biographer, Julius Capitolinus, describes him as such. Marcus also makes reference to a number of Stoics by whom he was taught and, in particular, mentions Rusticus from whom he borrowed a copy of the works of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus (Med.

What was Marcus Aurelius greatest accomplishment?

Besides his relative success as being Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius may be best known as a Stoic philosopher. He truly attempted to live his philosophy. Aurelius became famous for The Meditations, a collection of his thoughts, Stoic beliefs, and notes on his life.

Was Marcus Aurelius a great man?

Known for his philosophical interests, Marcus Aurelius was one of the most respected emperors in Roman history. He was born into a wealthy and politically prominent family. Discourses, written by a former slave and Stoic philosopher Epictetus, had a great deal of influence over Marcus Aurelius.

What did Marcus Aurelius conquer?

147-191 CE) invaded Armenia, which was under Rome’s protection, and the Roman province of Syria revolted. Verus had more military experience than Aurelius and so took charge of the campaigns in the east personally.

What is Marcus Aurelius remembered for?

Known for his philosophical interests, Marcus Aurelius was one of the most respected emperors in Roman history. Growing up, Marcus Aurelius was a dedicated student, learning Latin and Greek. But his greatest intellectual interest was Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasized fate, reason, and self-restraint.

How did Marcus Aurelius help the Roman Empire?

Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. His reign (161–180 CE) marked the end of a period of internal tranquility and good government. After his death the empire quickly descended into civil war. He has symbolized the Golden Age of the Roman Empire for many generations in the West.

Why is Marcus Aurelius great?

What should the reader look for in Marcus Aurelius’s writing?

Finally, this purpose suggests that the reader should look for the personal faults that Marcus is trying to combat, or the correct attitude he is trying to inculcate, when he brings up some doctrine or argument, whether Stoic or not.

Why does Marcus return insistently to issues that must have arisen?

Marcus returns insistently to issues that must have arisen from his experiences, such as the imminence of death and his irritation with his associates’ faults.

When did Marcus’ private correspondence with the British begin?

The private correspondence began before Marcus was twenty and continued into his imperial years.