Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was born on April 25, 121 AD in Rome, a citizen of Ancient Rome and a member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. He worked in both Latin and Ancient Greek, and his thinking was shaped by the Stoic philosophical tradition.
His public career moved through the institutions of Roman power over several decades. He served as consul in 140, again in 145, and a third time in 161 — the same year he became Roman emperor, a role he held until his death in 180. He was the last of the rulers later called the Five Good Emperors, and the last emperor of the Pax Romana. Alongside his political responsibilities, he worked as a philosopher and writer, and his notable work, Meditations, stands as a product of his engagement with Stoicism.
Marcus Aurelius died on March 16, 180 AD, in Vindobona, having reigned as emperor for nineteen years.
Quotes by Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius's insights on:
No form of nature is inferior to art; for the arts merely imitate natural forms. – Variant: There is no nature which is inferior to art, the arts imitate the nature of things.
I am called to man’s labour; why then do I make a difficulty if I am going out to do what I was born to do and what I was brought into the world for?
If it’s in your control, why do you do it? If it’s in someone else’s control, then who are you blaming? Atoms? The gods? Stupid either way. Blame no one. Set people straight, if you can. If not, just repair the damage.
Life is short. That’s all there is to say. Get what you can from the present – thoughtfully, justly.
From my grandfather’s father, I learned to dispense with attendance at public schools, and to enjoy good teachers at home, and to recognize that on such things money should be eagerly spent.
External things are not the problem. It’s your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now.
If it’s time for you to go, leave willingly – as you would to accomplish anything that can be done with grace and honor.