Lecture on Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism

Introduction to Marcus Aurelius

Background:
- Born April 26, 121 AD.
- Raised by grandfathers; started studying philosophy at a young age.
- Known for honesty and philosophical demeanor.
Connection with Emperor Hadrian:
- Hadrian saw potential and kept an eye on him.
- Nicknamed him "Verismus" meaning "the truest one".
Path to Emperorship:
- Adopted by Aurelius Antoninus Pius in 138 AD at Hadrian's behest.
- Groomed to be emperor, taking on roles of increasing responsibility.
- Became emperor in 161 AD at age 40.

Major Events During Reign:
- Recurrent health issues and loss of children.
- Wars at the border and the Antonine Plague (19 years of warfare, 5 million died).
Leadership Qualities:
- Known for lack of ego and personnel selection.
- Hired Galen to lead medical efforts during the plague.
- Sold imperial possessions to support the economy.

Meditations:
- Marcus's personal writings, "Meditations", reflect stoic philosophy.
- Focused on self-discipline, personal ethics, humility.
- Insights on death: "Think of yourself as dead."
Practical Stoicism:
- Advocated for living in the present moment.
- Emphasized action over discussion.

Impact of Meditations:
- Continues to influence leaders and thinkers.
- Praised by figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Beatrice Webb, and J.K. Rowling.
Statues and Monuments:
- Equestrian statue in Rome, designed by Michelangelo.
- Seen as a symbol of Stoic ideals.

Succession by Commodus:
- Commodus's unstable rule questioned Marcus's wisdom.
- Marcus experienced personal losses, impacting family dynamics.

End of Life:
- Died March 17, 180 AD, leaving a significant legacy.
Reflection on Stoicism:
- Emphasized virtue, wisdom, self-control, justice, courage.
- Legacy lives on in how Stoicism is applied to real-world challenges.