24 Marcus Aurelius-Emperor & Philosopher Deep Dive
from Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners
Marcus Aurelius, both an emperor of Rome and a philosopher, is a figure who embodies the intersection of power and introspection. Living in the second century CE, during a time when the Roman Empire reached its zenith, he is primarily remembered today for his writings, specifically his collection of personal reflections known as the "Meditations." This work captures the essence of his Stoic philosophy, which serves as a guide for personal ethics and understanding human nature. One of the fundamental principles that Marcus Aurelius espouses in his "Meditations" is the notion of rationality and the importance of aligning one's life with nature. He believed that the universe is organized according to rational principles, and that human beings, being a part of this universe, should strive to live in accordance with reason. For Marcus, the power of reason allows individuals to transcend their base emotions and desires, leading to a life of virtue. This calls into question the way we approach our daily lives and decisions, inviting us to filter our actions through a lens of rational thought rather than emotional reactions.
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