49 When a Philosopher Ruled the World | Marcus Aurelius w/ Donald Robertson
Jul 31, 2022
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Discussing Marcus Aurelius as a ruler and Stoic philosopher, exploring anger as a motivator, comparing Stoicism with modern cognitive therapy, and delving into decision making and the fusion of philosophy in a graphic novel.
Marcus Aurelius's Stoic philosophy influenced his rule, promoting duty and selflessness.
Succession planning complexities in ancient Rome highlight challenges faced by leaders like Marcus.
Stoicism and modern therapy align in managing emotions through rational responses and cognitive habits.
Deep dives
Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher King and Enlightened Ruler
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, gained fame not only for his military victories but also for his deep education in Greek philosophy, particularly Stoicism. His work 'Meditations' has become a modern bestseller, contributing to the revival of Stoicism. Despite his military campaigns against Germanic invasion, Marcus stabilized the Northern frontier, preventing the Empire's fragmentation. His Stoic beliefs influenced his rule, emphasizing duty and selflessness.
Successor Dilemma and Stoic Leadership
Criticism of Marcus Aurelius centers on his choice of Commodus as his successor, breaking the streak of 'five good emperors'. However, Marcus' decision was influenced by the potential threat of civil war and the need for stability. He attempted a joint rulership model to maintain order and prevent internal conflicts. This decision showcases the complexity of succession planning in ancient Rome and the challenges faced by leaders like Marcus.
Stoicism in Modern Psychotherapy: Similarities and Differences
The Stoic philosophy aligns with modern cognitive behavioral therapy in its emphasis on rational responses to emotions and events. Both approaches advocate for cognitive habits that promote emotional resilience and well-being. However, nuances exist in specific techniques like visualizing feared events. Modern therapy emphasizes emotional habituation, alternative thinking patterns, and cognitive distancing, offering a more nuanced perspective on managing emotions compared to the Stoic practices of premeditating on adverse events.
Stoic Perspective on Anger and Revenge
The Stoics view anger as a belief that someone has committed injustice and deserves punishment. They argue that most anger is rooted in a desire for revenge, challenging the moral judgment behind it. Rather than seeking harm, the Stoics emphasize enlightening and converting others. They advocate for rational engagement over retaliatory actions to foster civil discourse and respect.
Rationality in Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy share similarities in emphasizing rationality's role in managing emotions. While Stoics believe in humans' rational nature amidst irrational influences, modern psychology underscores the cognitive mediation of emotions. Cognitive therapy's success lies in viewing feelings as cognitive, enabling individuals to gain control over emotions by analyzing and reshaping their thoughts.
Was Marcus Aurelius really the enlightened ruler that history books and modern movies portray him as? And is his brand of Stoic philosophy applicable to the modern world?
