The Life of Marcus Aurelius: From Noble to Stoic
Have you ever wondered how an ancient Roman emperor became one of history's most influential philosophers? What can we learn from the life of Marcus Aurelius about resilience, leadership, and personal growth?
In his book How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, Donald Robertson explores the fascinating journey of Marcus Aurelius from a young noble to a Stoic philosopher-king. You'll discover how Marcus's early years and philosophical education shaped his character and prepared him for the challenges of ruling an empire.
Keep reading to gain insights into the life of Marcus Aurelius and learn how his Stoic principles can help you navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace.
_The Early Years of Marcus Aurelius
The life of Marcus Aurelius began on April 26, 121 CE, when he was born into a prominent Roman family. His grandfather was a close friend of Emperor Hadrian, and his great-aunt was the Empress Sabina. This connection to the imperial family would shape young Marcus's future in ways he couldn't have imagined, setting the stage for a remarkable journey that would lead him to become one of Rome's most influential emperors and philosophers.
Tragedy struck early in Marcus's life when his father, Annius Verus, passed away prematurely. This loss, along with other personal tragedies, would play a significant role in shaping Marcus's philosophical outlook. His mother and paternal grandfather stepped in to raise him, instilling values of honesty and moral uprightness that would serve as the foundation for his later embrace of Stoicism.
Introduction to Philosophy
Marcus's journey into philosophy began under the guidance of his tutor, Diognetus. This mentor steered the young Marcus away from trivial pursuits and towards the intensive study of philosophy and ethics. Diognetus introduced Marcus to Cynic philosophy, which emphasized simplicity and virtue – principles that would later align well with Marcus's Stoic beliefs.
As a visible sign of his commitment to philosophical pursuits, Marcus adopted the philosopher's cloak and grew a distinguished beard. These outward symbols reflected his growing inner dedication to a life of wisdom and virtue.
The Path to Stoicism
Marcus's path to Stoicism was further paved by his adoption, first by Emperor Hadrian and then by Emperor Antoninus. This adoption placed him in line for imperial succession, but it also steered him away from the luxury typically associated with imperial life and towards a more austere, philosophical existence.
Under the tutelage of Stoic teachers like Apollonius of Chalcedon, Marcus delved deeper into Stoic doctrines. He studied the teachings of Epictetus and learned to apply Stoic principles in his daily life. This practical education in resilience and emotional regulation would prove invaluable in his future role as emperor.
Deepening Commitment to Stoicism
As Marcus grew older, his commitment to Stoicism deepened. He began to prioritize practical wisdom over the rhetorical skills prized by the imperial court. This shift in focus reinforced his dedication to Stoic thought and distanced him from the more superficial aspects of imperial life.
The Influence of Junius Rusticus
One of the most significant influences on Marcus's philosophical development was Junius Rusticus. Under Rusticus's mentorship, Marcus's dedication to Stoic principles grew even stronger. Rusticus encouraged Marcus to focus on ethics and actionable knowledge rather than the art of rhetoric, further cementing Marcus's commitment to Stoicism.
Stoicism in Action
Marcus's dedication to Stoic principles was put to the test during two major crises of his reign: the Antonine Plague and the Marcomannic Wars. Observing the fortitude of individuals during these challenging times deepened Marcus's appreciation for Stoic virtues.
Throughout his life, Marcus strived to align his actions with the laws of nature, as prescribed by Stoic philosophy. He found contentment in staying true to his essential nature, embracing a life of simplicity, integrity, and humility.
Stoic Techniques for Emotional Management
Marcus didn't just study Stoicism; he actively applied its principles in his daily life. Here are some of the techniques he used:
Separating Thoughts From Events
Marcus practiced distinguishing between his inner thoughts and external events. He recognized that it's not the events themselves that cause distress, but our perceptions of them. By fostering an impartial viewpoint of circumstances, he was able to maintain emotional equilibrium.
Objective Description
When faced with challenging situations, Marcus would describe them in an impartial way, without emotional display. For example, instead of complaining about a lost ship, he might simply state, "The vessel has been forfeited." This practice helped reduce stress and maintain composure.
Anticipating Challenges
Marcus used his free time to prepare for future hardships by mentally practicing his reactions to potential situations. This technique, known as negative visualization, helped reduce worry and build resilience.
Gradual Exposure
To overcome fears and anxieties, Marcus advocated for gradually exposing oneself to feared situations. This practice helps reduce intense emotional responses over time, allowing for better adaptation to challenging circumstances.
Leadership Guided by Stoicism
As emperor, Marcus faced numerous challenges that put his Stoic principles to the test. One of the most significant was the rebellion of Avidius Cassius.
Responding to Betrayal
When faced with Cassius's insurrection, Marcus responded with calm contemplation rather than anger or fear. He viewed the betrayal through the lens of Stoic psychological principles, seeing it as a manifestation of fate rather than a personal insult.
Marcus's response to the rebellion was marked by compassion and restraint. He preferred to focus on teaching and repairing connections rather than seeking revenge, demonstrating the depth of his commitment to Stoic ideals.
Leading in Times of War
During the barbarian invasions, Marcus used Stoic techniques to maintain his composure and effectively lead the Roman legions. He practiced mental preparation for potential difficulties and faced substantial physical challenges with courage and composure.
Despite his physical frailty, Marcus showed exceptional endurance and resilience, attributes that his soldiers attributed to divine favor. This perception of Marcus as a leader blessed by the gods enhanced his ability to lead effectively during challenging times.
Throughout his reign, Marcus consistently applied Stoic principles to his leadership decisions. By anticipating difficulties, mastering his emotional responses, basing his choices on rational thought, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to ethical behavior and the common good, Marcus successfully navigated periods of significant adversity.
The life of Marcus Aurelius serves as a powerful example of how philosophical principles can be applied to real-world challenges. His journey from a young student of philosophy to a Stoic emperor offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to live a more virtuous and resilient life.