Stoicism In Marcus Aureliuss Meditations - 889 Words

An Ideal World (An analysis of the use of stoicism in Marcus Aureliuss, â€Å"Meditations†) Stoicism is defined in Greek school of Philosophy as teaching that â€Å"virtue, the highest good, is based on knowledge, and that the wise live in harmony with divine reason that governs nature, and are indifferent to the vicissitudes of fortune and to pleasure and pain.† (Oxford). Virtue is a trait sought after by many in today’s society. It is also a trait that millions upon millions of people choose to ignore. It all depends on what is important or unimportant to that particular person. To have virtue is an honor, and something that one cannot give to another. Those that are wise know that virtue, or justice, is an essential characteristic to have in†¦show more content†¦Naturally, horrible and crude things might happen to certain people. These things should be expected and even anticipated. Nonetheless, the world goes about in its own way, and men must reciprocate this natu ral idea. Men are more than capable of knowing the difference between an action that is just and one that is unjust. Individual freedom and control is also given very much emphasis in regards to stoicism in Marcus Aurelius’s, â€Å"Meditations†. This idea is self-explanatory; men have control over themselves and have the power to direct their thoughts and views. â€Å"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.† (Meditations). As men are able to control their own thoughts, they can start focusing in on things that truly matter. They can focus on more virtuous things. Philosophers have learned to control their minds and see truths that others in the world are hidden from. If these philosophers can find a way to share this information with as many people as possible, then they will have achieved their ultimate goal. These philosophers are usually the ones to be leaders of a nation. They are chosen to lead because of their understanding of how to help everybody live together in harmony and unity. As strong philosophers develop stur dy governments, it is difficult not to see how these fundamental principles are so foundational for success. Marcus Aurelius is spot on in stating thatShow MoreRelated Marcus Aurelius Essay832 Words   |  4 Pages Marcus Aurelius was born on April 20, 121 AD into a family of royalty. His uncle and adoptive father, Antoninus Pius, was the emperor of Rome. Aurelius, too, was trained from birth to be a great ruler like his father. At age eleven, he dedicated himself to religion, although he considered philosophy to be the quot;true, inwardquot; religion, one which did not require ceremonies necessary in others. He was appointed by Emperor Hadrian to priesthood in 129. The Emperor also supervised his educationRead MoreExploration of the Political Structure of the Roman Empire4418 Words   |  18 PagesRome, came the slightly modern ideas that pertain to cynicism and stoicism. One of the most famous of the Stoics was Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (See Picture 4)[12]. His whole politic al system was dictated by the Stoic way of life as he was in favor of the human being devoid of all emotions, where things like envy, fear, etc were all thought to have come out of false judgments of the human minds. The focus of much of Aurelius’s philosophy had to do with the ethics that were involved in the Stoic