Marcus Aurelius: Biography and Reflections

An actor is a ruler, a philosopher is a thinker. If you only reflect and do not act, then nothing good will end there. On the other hand, the philosopher will be harmed by pursuing political activity, distracting him from the knowledge of the world. In this respect, among all the Roman rulers, Marcus Aurelius was an exception. He lived a double life. One was in full view of everyone, and the other remained a mystery until his death.

Childhood

Marcus Aurelius, whose biography will be presented in this article, was born in a rich Roman family in 121 AD. The father of the boy died early, and his grandfather, Annius Ver, who had twice visited the post of consul and was in good standing with Emperor Hadrian, who was related to him, took up his education.

Young Aurelius was educated at home. He especially liked studying stoic philosophy. He remained her devotee for the rest of his life. Soon unusual successes in the study of the boy was noticed by Antony Pius himself (the ruling emperor). Expecting his imminent death, he adopted Mark and began to prepare him for the emperor. However, Antonin lived much longer than he had thought. He died in the year 161.

Ascension to the throne

Marcus Aurelius did not consider the receipt of imperial power some special and crucial moment of his life. On the throne also ascended yet another foster son Antonia, Lucius Ver, but he did not differ either in his military talent, or in the state mind (he died in 169). As soon as Aurelius took the reins in his hands, problems began in the East: the Parthians invaded Syria and captured Armenia. Mark threw there additional legions. But the victory over the Parthians was overshadowed by the plague epidemic that began in Mesopotamia and spread beyond the empire. At the same time, on the Danube border, there was an attack of belligerent Slavic and German tribes. Mark did not have enough soldiers, and had to recruit gladiators in the Roman army . In 172 the Egyptians rose up. The revolt was suppressed by the experienced commander Avidi Cassius, who declared himself emperor. Marcus Aurelius opposed him, but before the battle it did not come. Cassius was killed by conspirators, and the real emperor went home.

Reflections

Returning to Rome, Marcus Aurelius was again forced to defend the country from the Danube tribes of the quads, marcomans and their allies. After repelling the threat, the emperor fell ill (according to one version - a stomach ulcer, on the other - a plague). After a while he died in Vindobon. Among his belongings were found manuscripts, on the first page of which was the inscription "Marcus Aurelius. Reflections. " These records the emperor led in his campaigns. Later they will be published under the titles "Alone with yourself" and "To yourself." Proceeding from this, it can be assumed that the manuscripts were not intended for publication, because the author does address himself, indulging in meditation and giving the mind complete freedom. But empty philosophies are not peculiar to him. All the emperor's reflections concerned real life.

The content of philosophical work

In Reflections, Marcus Aurelius lists all the good things that the teachers taught him and what his ancestors gave him. He also thanks the gods (destiny) for his contempt for wealth and luxury, restraint and the pursuit of justice. And he is very pleased that, "dreaming of doing philosophy, did not get on any sophist and did not settle with the writers for the analysis of syllogism, while doing extraterrestrial phenomena in parallel" (the last phrase refers to the removal from enthusiasm by divination, horoscopes and other superstitions , So popular in the period of degradation of the Roman Empire).

Mark perfectly understood that the wisdom of the ruler is not in words, but primarily in actions. He wrote to himself:

• "Work hard and do not complain. And not to be pityed or surprised by your diligence. Wish one thing: rest and move as the civil mind will consider worthy. "
• "It is a pleasure for a person to do what is peculiar to him. And it is peculiar to him to contemplate nature and kindness to his fellow tribesmen. "
• "If someone can visually show the infidelity of my actions, then I will listen with joy and fix it. I'm looking for truth that does not harm anyone; Only one who is in ignorance and lies hurts himself. "

Conclusion

Marcus Aurelius, whose biography is described above, was genuinely brilliant: being a prominent military commander and statesman, he remained a philosopher who showed wisdom and high intellect. One can only regret that such people in world history can be counted on the fingers: some people make hypocrites, others corrupt, others turn them into opportunists, the fourth treat it as a means to satisfy their base needs, the fifth become a submissive tool in strangers Hostile hands ... Thanks to the desire for truth and passion for philosophy, Mark overcame the temptation of power without any effort. Few rulers could understand and realize the thought expressed by him: "People live for each other". In his philosophical work he seemed to address each of us: "Imagine that you have already died, living only until the present moment. The remaining time, given to you beyond expectations, live in harmony with nature and society. "