In Our Time Marcus Aurelius
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Feb 25, 2021 
In this enlightening discussion, Simon Goldhill, Angie Hobbs, and Catharine Edwards dive into the life and writings of Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors. They explore his unique position as both a military leader and a philosopher, examining how his Meditations provide deep insights into Stoicism and ethical leadership. The guests discuss his personal struggles with melancholy, the complexities of his duality, and how his teachings on grief resonate in modern times, revealing the relevance of his wisdom in today's turbulent world.
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Stable Empire
- The Roman Empire's 2nd-century stability stemmed from a succession of sensible, conscientious emperors with long reigns.
- This minimized power disruptions and allowed for attentive management of provinces, legions, and the Roman populace.
Greek Influence on Rome
- Roman culture was heavily influenced by Greek culture, from architecture and art to literature and language.
- The Roman elite, including emperors like Caesar, commonly spoke Greek.
Stoicism's Appeal
- Stoicism emphasizes living in accordance with nature, where virtue and happiness depend on internal control rather than external factors.
- This appealed to Marcus Aurelius as it offered a way to manage inner life amidst external challenges.
