An Emperor on Goodwill
“Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.”
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180, was considered the last of the Five Good Emperors* and revered as one of the most important Stoic philosophers. His work, Meditations, written while he was on campaign (170 – 180) is considered a testament to a life of service and duty. In the two decades of his emperorship, Marcus Aurelius faced invasions from German tribes to the north, clashes with the Parthian Empire in the east, and an internal revolt led by Avidius Cassius. During his lifetime, he acquired the status of a philosopher king, a title that has remained with him long after his death. He may have lived many centuries ago, yet his words have relevance in our world, in our time.
“We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne.”
Marcus Aurelius
(*Neva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius)
Interesting man!
January 5, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Yes, he was…he is one of my favourites.
January 5, 2013 at 8:03 pm
very i teresting loved it
January 5, 2013 at 8:12 pm
I am so very glad, Vicky!
January 5, 2013 at 8:58 pm
January 5, 2013 at 9:25 pm
Marcus Aurelius was a great man, one of my favorites. His failing was that his son was a horrific ruler.
January 5, 2013 at 9:06 pm
I agree – he was horrible in every way imaginable. I still cannot imagine how that could be possible. It is a reminder that we cannot control others or what will be…
January 5, 2013 at 9:17 pm
Isn’t it wonderful that we still have access to the ancient teachings of these great men to help us on our way
January 5, 2013 at 9:39 pm
We have access to the most amazing writings. My gratitude goes out to those who wrote down their thoughts for future generations to revisit, especially when you consider the writing tools at their disposal. Can you imagine what he would have been like as a blogger?!!!
January 5, 2013 at 10:26 pm
He would have had many thousands, if not millions of followers!
January 5, 2013 at 11:20 pm
And you and I would be the first ones to sign up!!!
January 5, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Most definitely
January 5, 2013 at 11:27 pm
I knew very little about this great man (perhaps some information from movies), now I know something more. Thanks.
January 5, 2013 at 10:03 pm
I have only briefly studied his works – there is much more to learn. And that makes like all the more exciting.
January 5, 2013 at 10:27 pm
Hi, I have nominated you for “The Versatile Blogger Award”!! If you are interested, please check my post
http://thetimelesstreasure.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/the-versatile-blogger-award/ Congratulations!!!
January 6, 2013 at 8:32 pm
My dear friend, I am honoured and delighted that you have included my blog in this esteemed group. I have enjoyed following your blog in 2012! I look forward to a new year of amazing adventures that we will sharing going forward. I wish you every success…
January 7, 2013 at 11:34 pm