Marcus Aurelius's Stoic Morning Routine as Philosophical Practice
From 161 to 180 AD, Marcus Aurelius served as the Roman Emperor, adhering to Stoic principles in his morning routine. He was born on April 26, 121 AD, and is recognized as the final member of the 'Five Good Emperors.' His reign was marked by military strife and personal challenges, which inspired his reflections in 'Meditations,' showcasing his dedication to virtue. Stoicism, established by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, highlights the values of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Marcus engaged in daily mental exercises, often within military settings, shunning luxury. He perceived his imperial role as a responsibility to foster equity. Influenced by Stoic thinkers like Seneca and Epictetus, his legacy includes the Equestrian Statue in the Musei Capitolini and a gold aureus coin housed in the British Museum.
Key facts
- Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD
- He was born in Rome on April 26, 121 AD
- His personal writings were compiled into 'Meditations'
- Stoicism was founded by Zeno of Citium in ancient Greece around the early 3rd century BC
- Stoicism emphasizes four virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance
- Marcus Aurelius's reign involved military conflicts against Germanic tribes
- He practiced a morning routine of reflection, reading, and writing
- Stoicism has recently seen a resurgence in mainstream attention on social media
Entities
Artists
- Marcus Aurelius
- Nathan Casteel
- Marco Dente
- Jacques-Louis David
- Richard William Hubbard
- Edgar Degas
- Zeno of Citium
- Cleanthes
- Chrysippus
- Seneca
- Epictetus
Institutions
- Saatchi Art
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
- Petit Palais, Paris
- British Museum
- Musei Capitolini, Rome
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Paris
- France
- New York
- United States