By Peter Pavarini
According to Plato, the perfect nation-state, one that delivered the greatest amount of happiness to its citizens, would be one ruled by an individual possessing absolute knowledge gained from philosophical study.[i] Although Plato admitted such a philosopher king was only a hypothetical ideal, historians have used his standard to judge various leaders over the centuries.
Few Americans knew much about the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius before the release of Ridley Scott’s movie Gladiator in 2000. In the opening scenes of the film, Rome is ruled by an aging, benevolent emperor named Marcus Aurelius, the last of five relatively “good” men to lead the Empire.[ii] As the story unfolds, Marcus Aurelius wisely chooses his favorite general, Maximus Decimus Meridius, to be his successor, rather than his debaucherous biological son Commodus. Although historically inaccurate, the movie dramatically depicts Commodus killing his father and sentencing Maximus to certain death as a gladiator.
Some eighteen centuries later, we often hear how the American “empire” resembles Ancient Rome. Surely, today’s hyper-political environment invites such a comparison. Seeking to understand how Rome was governed during the nearly 500-year reign of the emperors, I’ve decided to focus on the life and legacy of Rome’s greatest emperor – Marcus Aurelius.
The Meditations of One Man
Much of what we know about Marcus Aurelius comes from his personal journal – commonly called his Meditations. Although never meant to be read by others – much less published, the work is considered by many to be one of the greatest books ever written.
Serving as ruler of the largest empire on Earth, Marcus Aurelius knew how easily it was to be corrupted by wealth and power. Despite his noble birth, he embraced the need to refine his character in preparation for the throne. Based upon the ethical principles of the Greek philosopher Epictetus[iii], he was educated to believe some things are within a person’s control but many are not. While we have power over our thoughts, opinions and choices, we have no dominion over our fate, reputation or other peoples’ behavior. And yet, it’s up to us how we react to such things.
The essence of Marcus Aurelius’ philosophy can be found in Meditations 7:29:
“Do away with all fancies. Cease to be passion’s puppet. Limit time to the present. Learn to recognize every experience for what it is, whether it be your own or another’s. Divide and classify the objects of sense into cause and matter. Meditate upon your last hour. Leave your neighbor’s wrongdoing to rest with him who initiated it.”[iv]
Not only did he profess these Stoic principles, but he also applied them to his life. Knowing that an emperor had the power to change the course of a civilization, he was determined to govern justly and rationally. He did so despite being faced with numerous challenges: the death of eight of his children from plague, spending a decade at war, and being betrayed by his closest advisor. Through it all, his character never wavered. He knew he was just a man, so he remained determined to learn from these experiences.
The Modern Political Personality
Contrast what we know about Marcus Aurelius with today’s public perception of those in the political arena. In the words of one British commentator: “It does not require any great grasp of contemporary polling and public opinion to recognize that … the public’s intuitive thinking about politicians have revealed an overwhelmingly negative vernacular about craven elites who are self-interested, self-regarding, unprincipled and ambitious.”[v]
Indeed, introspection, humility, and gratitude are rarely found in people on a quest to control the lives of others, no matter how high-minded their motivation might be. Even the most obscure public servant finds some satisfaction in exercising whatever governmental power he or she possesses.
Marcus Aurelius was cut from a very different cloth. In Book One of Meditations, entitled “Debts and Lessons”, he identifies the positive qualities of those who influenced him growing up. In so doing, he acknowledged that much of the good things he enjoyed in life were not of his own creation. This gratitude and humility largely came from observing his adoptive father – Emperor Antoninus Pius. Marcus described that man as someone indifferent to superficial honors, hard-working and persistent. At meetings, the elder emperor asked probing questions and was never content with his first impressions. He never cut off discussions prematurely. He was always willing to yield the floor to those with more expertise. The only public works he authorized (building projects, distributions of money, etc.) were those necessary for the well-being of citizens, never for his personal credit. His strength, perseverance and self-control marked a soul ready to lead.[vi]
In the midst of what some believe is “a Fourth Turning”[vii], the United States and other countries are grappling with issues of epic proportions. Not the least of these is the selection of new leaders. Applying the simple principles of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, Hungarian writer Istvan Daraban offers a prescription for leading a life worthy of a leader. I’ve summarized his excellent article published in Medium.[viii]
- Don’t let false or irrational impressions carry you away. We need to understand our biases and judgments for what they are – filters through which we see reality. Marcus Aurelius knew that most stress and anxiety is no more than a state of mind. We shouldn’t let uncontrollable externals to overwhelm us – preventing rational decision making.
- Don’t become enslaved by your emotions or desires. Marcus Aurelius knew that people can be paralyzed by their emotions. When our emotional responses are based upon false assumptions, we can be controlled by them. By having a strong will and knowing what can and cannot be controlled, we can take charge of our emotional selves.
- Appreciate life. It’s pointless to hold grudges or fret over insignificant things. The moment we become conscious of our own mortality is when we start to live properly.
- Recognize every experience for what it is. If we don’t view an external event over which we have no control as something negative, we won’t make it worse than it really is. We shouldn’t let it disturb our inner peace.
- Think deeply. As creatures endowed with a consciousness, we must regularly spend time alone in contemplation. Otherwise, how can we make informed decisions? Unless we carefully observe and analyze our circumstances, we won’t be able to better our lives or the lives of those around us.
- Remember your place in the universe. Things are continuously being born, continuously dying. Spend time with nature to appreciate the profundity of this concept. Death is nothing but change – transmutation into something else. By thinking about death rationally, we can be freed from its terrifying grasp.
- Forgive. Every person is at times unreasonable, stubborn, proud, and sinful. When their ego is threatened, they often act out against others. This is an inherent part of the human condition. Therefore, whenever possible, point out that person’s mistake tactfully and considerately. Try to help them grow. Beyond that, there’s little we can do but to forgive.
Holding Our Leaders to a Higher Standard of Conduct
I’m probably not the only one who believes modern America has been let down by its leaders – not just those in government, but also those leading our major institutions. As a student of history, I also recognize that every generation feels this way to some degree. While I don’t have any illusions about a philosopher king coming to our rescue, is it too much to expect those who aspire to leadership to be held to a higher standard of behavior and ethics? Have we come to a point where only the least qualified, most unscrupulous people seek higher office?[ix]
Surely, in a nation of more than 350 million people, we can hope there still are a few brave souls willing to follow the code of Marcus Aurelius.
[i] Plato’s Republic 5.473.
[ii] About 70 emperors reigned over Rome from Caesar Augustus beginning in 27 BC to Romulus Augustus ending in 476 AD. For most of the period 286 to 480 AD, there was more than one emperor – the empire being divided into different geographic regions. Even Marcus Aurelius had a co-emperor, his adoptive brother Lucius Verus. Marcus Aurelius’s death in 180 AD marks the end of Pax Romana, an age of relative peace and prosperity in the Empire. See https://alessandrocamp.com/2023/12/07/finding-true-peace-on-earth/
[iii] Born into slavery in the 50s AD, Epictetus established a school in northwestern Greece where he lectured until his death in 135 AD. There he taught the principles of personal integrity, self-management and personal freedom.
[iv] Meditations (Penguin Great Ideas) translated by Maxwell Staniforth (2005).
[v] James Weinberg, “Who Enters Politics and Why? On the Psychology of British Politicians”, blogs.lse.ac.uk (July 21, 2020)
[vi] Lawrence W. Reed, “Why Rome’s Best Emperor Shunned Government Schools”, The Epoch Times, December 13-19, 2023.
[vii] Neil Howe, The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End, Simon & Schuster (2023).
[viii] Istvan Daraban, “The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius”, Medium, November 22, 2022.
[ix] In other words, a kakistocracy.
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