The Making of a Stoic Emperor
The Art of Manliness
Transformation and Strength: Marcus's Dream of Shoulders of Ivory
Marcus Aurelius's dream where he envisions his shoulders turning to ivory symbolizes his realization that what others perceive as weakness, like his love for philosophy and bookish nature, can actually be a strength. This dream signifies his internalization of philosophy, the tools it provides for self-improvement, and the transformation of his character to become a good emperor. The metaphor of 'athlete's shoulders' from Epictetus emphasizes the importance of practical application of philosophy to improve character, similar to developing physical strength through training in Greek and Roman society.
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