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In the biography Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor, author Donald Robertson paints a vivid picture of the Roman emperor not just as a philosopher-king, but as a deeply human figure who experienced emotions such as sadness, love, and compassion.
Robertson's work delves into Marcus Aurelius' psychological journey, highlighting moments where the emperor expresses these feelings amidst his Stoic practice. One such instance is when Marcus received a letter about a catastrophic earthquake that leveled the city of Smyrna (in modern-day Turkey). The news was so devastating that it caused Marcus to cry, a testament to his humanity.
Marcus Aurelius was not an unfeeling individual. He was a powerful head of state, warrior, and brilliant man, yet he was known to cry frequently, not out of fear, self-pity, or desire, but due to sadness, love, and compassion.
The biography reveals that Marcus reflected on the losses of loved ones and the transient nature of life, often expressing grief but also seeking to transform this sadness into acceptance and growth. His Meditations, a collection of personal writings, reveal moments of personal sorrow intertwined with philosophical resilience.
Despite the demands of rulership and Stoic discipline, Marcus showed tender concern and affection for his family, particularly his children and wife. This love manifested as a motivating force behind his governance and personal conduct, demonstrating that Stoicism does not exclude deep personal bonds.
Robertson also highlights Marcus's efforts to act justly and kindly toward others, including his subjects and soldiers. Marcus's writings and actions reflect an empathetic understanding of human frailty, promoting kindness even in difficult circumstances as part of virtuous leadership.
Overall, Robertson's biography presents Marcus Aurelius as a figure who integrates Stoic philosophy with genuine emotional depth, showing that emotions like sadness, love, and compassion are not suppressed but transformed in the service of wisdom and humanity.
For detailed instances and a deeper understanding, consulting the biography or Robertson's related works such as How to Think Like a Roman Emperor would provide richer examples tied closely to Marcus's own writings. The biography of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson is available at The Painted Porch.
[1] Robertson, Donald. Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor. Profile Books, 2019. [2] Robertson, Donald. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. Profile Books, 2019. [3] Marcus Aurelius. Meditations. Translated by Gregory Hays. Penguin Classics, 2003.
Education and self-development are evident in Marcus Aurelius' personal growth, as seen in his integration of Stoic philosophy with emotional depth, transforming emotions like sadness, love, and compassion into wisdom and humanity. His biography and related works, such as Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, provide detailed instances that deeply illustrate this integration.
