In this episode, we dive into the life of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor of Rome. We explore his early life, education, adoption by Antoninus Pius, marriage, and ascension to the throne as Caesar. We also discuss various events during his reign, including floods, famine, and his relationship with his adopted brother Lucius.
Marcus was born into a wealthy family in Rome and was given the name of his father and grandfather. He became very close with the then emperor Hadrian, who nicknamed him "the truest" because of his love for reason and education. Marcus loved philosophy so much that he wore a tough Greek robe all the time and slept on the floor until his mother put a stop to it.
We also discuss the Roman-Parthian War and the Macromannic War, which drained the resources of the Roman Empire and weakened its military. The Macromannic War marked the beginning of the end of the Pax Romana. During this time, Marcus Aurelius was writing his Meditations, a personal journal about the importance of reason, self-control, and living a virtuous life.
What made Marcus Aurelius a great man was not his handling of the problems within the Roman Empire, but his reflections on personal growth and acceptance of fate. The episode also covers the deaths of Lucius, Marcus Aurelius' wife Faustina, and his son Commodus, who would later become emperor and be assassinated.
Stoicism encourages individuals to reflect on how they can be better in the present moment, rather than constantly dwelling on the past. Marcus Aurelius' own self-reflection and attention to his own character were key factors in his greatness.
As Marcus Aurelius once said, "Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." So, take some time to reflect on your own personal growth and be present-focused.
Check out some links related to the Roman and Spartan wars, but note that the episode cannot cover everything.
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Marcus Aurelius: The Philosopher Emperor
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Hey everyone,
In this episode, we dive into the life of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor of Rome. We explore his early life, education, adoption by Antoninus Pius, marriage, and ascension to the throne as Caesar. We also discuss various events during his reign, including floods, famine, and his relationship with his adopted brother Lucius.
Marcus was born into a wealthy family in Rome and was given the name of his father and grandfather. He became very close with the then emperor Hadrian, who nicknamed him "the truest" because of his love for reason and education. Marcus loved philosophy so much that he wore a tough Greek robe all the time and slept on the floor until his mother put a stop to it.
We also discuss the Roman-Parthian War and the Macromannic War, which drained the resources of the Roman Empire and weakened its military. The Macromannic War marked the beginning of the end of the Pax Romana. During this time, Marcus Aurelius was writing his Meditations, a personal journal about the importance of reason, self-control, and living a virtuous life.
What made Marcus Aurelius a great man was not his handling of the problems within the Roman Empire, but his reflections on personal growth and acceptance of fate. The episode also covers the deaths of Lucius, Marcus Aurelius' wife Faustina, and his son Commodus, who would later become emperor and be assassinated.
Stoicism encourages individuals to reflect on how they can be better in the present moment, rather than constantly dwelling on the past. Marcus Aurelius' own self-reflection and attention to his own character were key factors in his greatness.
As Marcus Aurelius once said, "Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." So, take some time to reflect on your own personal growth and be present-focused.
Check out some links related to the Roman and Spartan wars, but note that the episode cannot cover everything.
Thanks for tuning in!
Best,
Maxim