EMPEROR MARCUS AURELIUS ~ Ancient philosophy or psychology?
Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius (April 26, 121–March 17, 180) kept a notebook (like a diary or journal of sorts), his Meditations. It has been translated and annotated by the British classics scholar Robin Waterfield. I might have titled the notebook “Anger Management Techniques”.
“First, don’t be upset. Nothing happens that isn’t in accord with universal nature, and before long you won’t exist at all, just like [your heroes]… Second, fix your gaze on the matter at hand and see it for what it is, and then, keeping in your mind your obligation to be a good man and the demands of your humanity, go right ahead and do it, in the way that seems to you to be most just. But do it with kindness and modesty, and without dissembling.”
The emperor basically said KEEP YOUR COOL!!
ENTERTAINMENT TRIVIA: The movie "Gladiator" (2000) which starred Russell Crowe did not present a true historical picture of Marcus Aurelius.
"Marcus Aurelius really was a Roman Emperor for about 6 decades (161 - 180). He was a scholar who adhered to Stoicism, and reflected his view and perspectives about life in a writing called “Meditations”. Although he was a philanthropist and introduced social reforms, he did not like the Christians.
History says that Marcus Aurelius did nominate his own son to succeed him. Aurelius died in March 180 and Commodus – full name: Lucius Aelius Aurelius - was 19 years old when he came to the throne. He reigned from 180 - 193. He was a mad tyrant who believed himself to the reincarnation of the demigod Hercules and that he somehow possessed superhuman strength. The people did not like him at all and they tried to kill him many many times. Each failed assassination attempt was met with some serious payback consequences. In the end, he was murdered by a hired gladiator." (Source)
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