The Daily Stoic Letters of Stoic Wisdom | Marcus Aurelius and Fronto
Oct 20, 2024
Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, shares insights from his letters to his rhetoric teacher, Fronto. These letters reveal personal stories and philosophical reflections, offering a deeper understanding of Aurelius' thoughts beyond his famous Meditations. The discussion also examines the art of crafting discourse, highlighting the balance of serious and trivial subjects. Intriguingly, they explore how negligence can result in unexpected kindness, along with a heartfelt tribute to mentors and the importance of beauty in diligence.
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Letters' Importance
- Ryan Holiday highlights the value of Marcus Aurelius's letters for understanding him as a person.
- He mentions a story about a prank Marcus Aurelius played, showcasing a different side of the emperor.
Simile Creation
- Consider the characteristics of your subject from various perspectives, like a painter.
- Analyze its kind, form, parts, traits, differences, contraries, consequences, names, accidents, and elements.
Composition Method
- Choose abundant thoughts, weave them cleverly, and avoid wordiness in this type of composition.
- Round off each sentence concisely and skillfully, aiming for a polished and pleasing effect.
