The Daily Stoic

Marcus Aurelius' Letters to Fronto

13 snips
Sep 1, 2024
Delve into the fascinating exchange of letters between Marcus Aurelius and his rhetoric teacher, Fronto, revealing their mentorship dynamics. Discover how Fronto's influence shaped Aurelius’ philosophy and leadership aspirations. The importance of language mastery and the fine art of communication are also explored, contrasting superficial knowledge with deeper understanding. Plus, the correspondence sheds light on the nature of love, beauty, and meaningful connections amidst the challenges of distance. A rich tapestry of ancient wisdom and personal growth awaits!
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ADVICE

Inexperience vs. Half-Knowledge

  • Embrace inexperience and avoid half-knowledge, especially in word choice.
  • Diffidence prevents presumption, while superficial knowledge leads to mistakes.
INSIGHT

Words Reveal Knowledge

  • In most arts, ignorance can be hidden, but not with words.
  • Poor word choice instantly reveals a lack of knowledge, judgment, and skill.
ANECDOTE

Meticulous Roman Writers

  • Fronto lists meticulous Roman writers like Porcius, Seleustius, Plato, Ennius, and Coelius.
  • He highlights their dedication to precise and impactful language.
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