His father, Marcus Annius Verus III was a politician and a nobleman. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus was born in April 26, 121 AD, to a prominent family. He did this while living a simple life devoid of material excess, but overflowing with the desire to learn and serve. At one point in history, Marcus Aurelius was the leader of the world’s biggest and most powerful empire. In this article, we will be exploring the life and words of Marcus Aurelius, the emperor who prioritized the pursuit of knowledge and wholehearted service to his people. What if we told you that one of Rome’s greatest emperors, the last one to reign during the empire’s Pax Romana, was a Stoic who embodied Plato’s ideal of a philosopher king? The images that come into mind probably don’t veer too far away from the snapshots of our very own political and economic leaders today. What comes into your mind when you think about a Roman emperor? Is it the lavish, drunken parties? Perhaps the grand gladiator fights? Is it the grand display of affluence - marble mansions, political power, familial affiliations?
Temperance and Simplicity-Marcus Aurelius’ Legacy.Humility, Simplicity, and Good Character.
