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Marcus Aurelius, a philosopher king, took steps toward free speech : The emperors permitted free speech, evidenced by the fact that the comedy writer Marullus was able to criticize them without suffering retribution.
- The Historia Augusta
- Cassius Dio
- Herodian
The following come from the Historia Augusta and describe Marcus’ rule in terms that echo his remarks about freedom in The Meditations. First of all, it was at the insistence of the Senate that he assumed power although he insisted that, for the first time in Rome’s history, there should be two emperors, and he would rule jointly with his adopted b...
Cassius Dio echoes many of these general sentiments. In a remarkable speech, Marcus Aurelius is portrayed as suggesting to his troops that he would be willing to testify before a Senate hearing alongside Avidius Cassius and allow the Senate to decide whether he should continue as Emperor or stand down: Cassius Dio, like the Historia Augusta, states...
To these we can add the voice of Herodian who writes: We’re told Marcus was concerned about the future reign of Commodus but in terms that make it clear he viewed the reigns of Nero and Domitian as despotic: Herodian depicts him giving the following political advice on his deathbed: He concludes:
Mar 16, 2012 · Summary. This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction. The Events of Marcus' Reign and Their Influence on His Philosophical Insights. How to Rule? Ideas about Kingship and Empire. Effects of Marcus' Philosophizing in Daily Practice. The Influence of Marcus' Philosophical Convictions on Practical Politics. Conclusion. NOTES. Further Reading.
Scholars now generally agree (following Brunt 1974) that Marcus wrote for his own moral improvement, to remind himself of and render concrete the Stoic doctrines he wanted to live by, such as that the world is governed by Providence; that happiness lies in virtue, which is wholly in one’s own power; and that one should not be angry at one’s ...
May 9, 2018 · Why is Marcus Aurelius called the Philosopher-King? Aurelius' reign is thought to exemplify the Platonic concept of the Philosopher-King: someone who governs according to higher philosophical principles for the good of the people.
- Joshua J. Mark
- The concept of the Philosopher-King comes from Plato's "Republic" Book Five.
- Aurelius' reign exemplified the concept of the Philosopher-King through his care for his subjects and philosophical self-discipline which enabled h...
- Aurelius' Meditations are his private journal, kept in the last years of his life, expressing his Stoic philosophy. Aurelius' reputation as a Philo...
regard to equal rights and equal freedom of speech, and the idea of a kingly government which respects most of all the freedom of the governed; I learned from him also consistency and undeviating steadiness in my regard for philosophy; and a disposition to do good, and to
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Jul 12, 2021 · 15. From Maximus [15] I learned self-government, and not to be led aside by anything; and cheerfulness in all circumstances, as well as in illness; and a just admixture in the moral character of sweetness and dignity, and to do what was set before me without complaining.
