A doer is a ruler, a philosopher is a thinker. If you only think and do not act, then it will not end in anything good. On the other hand, the philosopher will be harmed by political activity, distracting him from the knowledge of the world. In this respect, among all the Roman rulers, Marcus Aurelius was an exception. He lived a double life. One was in full view of everyone, and the other remained a secret until his death.
Childhood
Marcus Aurelius, whose biography will be presented in this article, was born into a we althy Roman family in 121. The boy's father died early, and his grandfather, Annius Ver, took up his upbringing, who managed to twice serve as consul and was in good standing with Emperor Hadrian, who was related to him.
Young Aurelius was educated at home. He especially liked to study Stoic philosophy. He remained her adherent until the end of his life. Soon, Antony Pius himself (the reigning emperor) noticed the extraordinary success in the boy's studies. Expecting his imminent death, he adopted Mark and began to prepare him for the position of emperor. However, Antoninus lived much longer than he thought. He passed away in 161.
Ascension to the throne
Marcus Aurelius did not consider the receipt of imperial power as some special and turning point in his life. Another adopted son of Anthony, Lucius Ver, also ascended the throne, but he did not differ in either military talent or statesmanship (he died in 169). As soon as Aurelius took the reins of government into his own hands, problems began in the East: the Parthians invaded Syria and captured Armenia. Mark moved additional legions there. But the victory over the Parthians was overshadowed by an epidemic of plague that began in Mesopotamia and spread beyond the empire. At the same time, an attack by warlike Slavic and Germanic tribes took place on the Danube border. Mark did not have enough soldiers, and had to recruit gladiators into the Roman army. In 172 the Egyptians revolted. The rebellion was put down by the experienced commander Avidius Cassius, who declared himself emperor. Marcus Aurelius opposed him, but it did not come to a battle. Cassius was killed by the conspirators, and the true emperor went home.
Reflections
Returning to Rome, Marcus Aurelius again had to defend the country from the Danubian tribes of the Quads, Marcomanni and their allies. After repulsing the threat, the emperor fell ill (according to one version - a stomach ulcer, according to another - the plague). After some time he died in Vindobon. Among his belongings, manuscripts were found, on the first page of which was the inscription “Marcus Aurelius. Reflections . The emperor kept these records in his campaigns. Later they will be published under the titles“Alone with myself” and “To myself”. Based on this, it can be assumed that the manuscripts were not intended for publication, because the author really addresses himself, indulging in the pleasure of reflection and giving the mind complete freedom. But empty philosophies are not peculiar to him. All the thoughts of the emperor concerned real life.
Content of philosophical work
In "Reflections" Marcus Aurelius lists all the good things that his educators taught him and that his ancestors passed on to him. He also thanks the gods (fate) for his contempt for we alth and luxury, restraint and striving for justice. And he is also very pleased that, “dreaming of taking up philosophy, he didn’t fall for some sophist and didn’t sit down with the writers for parsing syllogisms, while simultaneously dealing with extraterrestrial phenomena” (the last phrase refers to the removal from passion for fortune-telling, horoscopes and other superstitions, so popular during the decline of the Roman Empire).
Mark was well aware that the wisdom of a ruler lies not in words, but above all in deeds. He wrote to himself:
- "Work hard and don't complain. And not to be sympathized with or amazed at your diligence. Desire one thing: to rest and move as the civic mind deems worthy.”
- “Man is happy to do what is natural for him. And it is characteristic of him to contemplate nature and benevolence towards fellow tribesmen.”
- "If someone can demonstrate the unfaithfulness of my actions, then I will gladly listen and that's itI'll fix it. I'm looking for the truth that doesn't harm anyone; only he who is in ignorance and falsehood harms himself.”
Conclusion
Marc Aurelius, whose biography is described above, was truly a genius: being a prominent commander and statesman, he remained a philosopher who showed wisdom and high intelligence. It remains only to regret that such people in world history can be counted on the fingers: some are made hypocrites by the authorities, others are corrupted, others are turned into opportunists, the fourth are treated as a means to satisfy their base needs, the fifth become a humble tool in strangers. hostile hands … Thanks to the desire for truth and passion for philosophy, Mark overcame the temptation of power without any effort. Few rulers were able to understand and realize the thought expressed by him: "People live for each other." In his philosophical work, he seemed to be addressing each of us: “Imagine that you have already died, living only up to the present moment. The remaining time given to you beyond expectation, live in harmony with nature and society.”
