The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius: A Practical Guide for Living in an Irrational WorldMarcus Annius Verus was born in Rome, A.D. 121, and assumed the name of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, by which he is known to history, on his adoption by the Emperor T. Aurelius Antoninus. M. Aurelius was educated by the orator Fronto, but turned aside from rhetoric to the study of the Stoic philosophy, of which he was the last distinguished representative. The "Meditations," which he wrote in Greek, are among the most noteworthy expressions of this system, and exhibit it favorably on its practical side. The "Meditations" picture with faithfulness the mind and character of this noblest of the Emperors. Simple in style and sincere in tone, they record for all time the height reached by pagan aspiration in its effort to solve the problem of conduct; and the essential agreement of his practice with his teaching proved that "Even in a palace life may be led well." |
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according to nature æther angry Antoninus Pius Apology art thou Aurelius Avidius Cassius benevolent blame body Carnuntum Christians Commodus common conformable consider contrary dæmon death desire Dion Cassius disposition divine dost thou earth emperor endure Epictetus Eusebius everything which happens evil exist external fame formed by nature Fronto Fundanus give gods Hadrian happen to thee harm Heraclitus intelligence justice kind labour letter look manner Marcomanni mayst Melitene never observe pain philosophy pleasure praise Quadi rational animal reason received remember Rescript Roman ruling faculty ruling principles social Socrates soon soul substance Suidas things which happen thou art thou canst thou didst thou dost thou hast thou mayest thou seest thou shalt thou shouldst thou wilt thy duty thy mind thy nature thy power thyself Trajan tranquillity trouble truth universal nature Valesius Verus vexed virtue whole wilt thou wrong