Plato said that, in an ideal society, the philosophers would be the kings, or the kings would be philosophers. Marcus Aurelius in some ways would seem to be exactly the kind of "philosopher emperor" Plato would have wanted. Please read the opening sections of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Choose a line that particularly well shows one of the things Aurelius particularly values, and note whether this value would make him a good emperor or not.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Marcus Aurelius' Meditations (extra credit)
Plato said that, in an ideal society, the philosophers would be the kings, or the kings would be philosophers. Marcus Aurelius in some ways would seem to be exactly the kind of "philosopher emperor" Plato would have wanted. Please read the opening sections of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Choose a line that particularly well shows one of the things Aurelius particularly values, and note whether this value would make him a good emperor or not.
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8. From Apollonius I learned freedom of will and undeviating steadiness of purpose; and to look to nothing else, not even for a moment, except to reason.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good quality to look for in a leader. it shows great focus and rationality and makes me think that he would try to find the best possible solution to a problem. On the other hand if this kind of drive and focus wasn't put toward improving the lives of the Roman people it could make for a very dangerous situation for the Republic. -Sean M.
3. From my mother, piety and beneficence, and abstinence, not only from evil deeds, but even from evil thoughts; and further simplicity in my way of living, far removed from the habits of the rich.
ReplyDeleteI think that Aurelius learned a lot from his mother. He says that she showed him how to live without evils and how to think without evils. Aurelius was able to avoid the lifestyle of someone who was rich, that might include gambling, sleeping around, and other activities but Aurelius knew to avoid them because the learned well from his mother. This would help him become a good emperor because he would have a clear mind and be able to focus on ruling rather than partying
. From my governor, to be neither of the green nor of the blue party at the games in the Circus, nor a partizan either of the Parmularius or the Scutarius at the gladiators’ fights; from him too I learned endurance of labour, and to want little, and to work with my own hands, and not to meddle with other people’s affairs, and not to be ready to listen to slander.
ReplyDeleteThis line shows how he was warned against taking sides in conflicts or at gladiatorial games. He was told by his governor to mind his own business essentially. It essentially sounds like he is warning against political parties and saying that they were bad and would lead to further conflict.
7. From Rusticus I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline; and from him I learned not to be led astray to sophistic emulation, nor to writing on speculative matters, nor to delivering little hortatory orations, nor to showing myself off as a man who practises much discipline, or does benevolent acts in order to make a display; and to abstain from rhetoric, and poetry, and fine writing.
ReplyDeleteI chose this line because Aurelius is really trying to focus in on his faults, as well as, his virtues. Here he is saying he has learned from Rusticus that he is not perfect, nor should he act like he is perfect. It however, surprises me that Ruticus advises him to not write any poetry or any fine writings of any sort. While it is possibly better to write simpler, it is the art of writing that really keeps people interested. I think Aurelius would be a successful emperor, but only if he can get the Romans to live in such a way that he is.
I choose this one "7. From Rusticus I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline; and from him I learned not to be led astray to sophistic emulation, nor to writing on speculative matters, nor to delivering little hortatory orations, nor to showing myself off as a man who practises much discipline, or does benevolent acts in order to make a display; and to abstain from rhetoric, and poetry, and fine writing; and not to walk about in the house in my outdoor dress, nor to do other things of the kind; and to write my letters with simplicity, like the letter which Rusticus wrote from Sinuessa to my mother; and with respect to those who have offended me by words, or done me wrong, to be easily disposed to be pacified and reconciled, as soon as they have shown a readiness to be reconciled, and to read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book; nor hastily to give my assent to those who talk overmuch; and I am indebted to him for being acquainted with the discourses of Epictetus, which he communicated to me out of his own collection." I think this would make him a good Emperor, trying to better himself.
ReplyDeleteChristina Grimme
8. From Apollonius I learned freedom of will and undeviating steadiness of purpose; and to look to nothing else, not even for a moment, except to reason;
ReplyDeleteI think that this would, for the most part, make him a good emperor. The part about freedom of will and steadiness of purpose means that he would not be swayed easily. People who might want him to do something that he doesn't want to do would have a very hard time convincing him to do so. It could, however, also be a bad thing if the things that he decides upon himself and is unable to be swayed from are things that happen to be bad for the people. The second part about not looking to anything except for reason would also be a good thing for an emperor. It seems to me to mean that he wouldn't make decisions that were based on emotion or anything. He would make decisions that were based on reason.
Mallory Schlechter