When considering the doctrines of Stoics, it is important to remember that they think of philosophy not as an interesting pastime or even a particular body of knowledge, but as a way of life. They define philosophy as a kind of practice or exercise, in the expertise concerning what is beneficial. Once we come to know what we and the world around us are really like, and especially the nature of value, we will be utterly transformed. This soteriological element is common to their main competitors, the Epicureans, and perhaps helps to explain why Christianity eventually eclipsed both. The “Meditations” of Marcus Aurelius provide a fascinating picture of a would-be Stoic sage at work on himself. The book, called To Himself , is the emperor’s diary. In it, he not only reminds himself of the content of important Stoic teaching, but also reproaches himself when he realizes that he has failed to incorporate this teaching into his life in some particular instance. Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome from 161 until his death. He was educated by the best tutors of Rome and was a devotee of Stoicism. He did however, feel with more religious fervor, the communion of man in the unity of the universe, than most other Stoics. Aurelius faced a great task when he became emperor as successor to his uncle, Antonius Pius. Generations of luxury had made the patricians, or nobles, weak and selfish. The middle class was disappearing, and the working class was being reduced to a state of slavery. Germanic tribes were at the borders of the empire, while few Romans seemed willing to defend their homeland. Throughout his reign as emperor, he was engaged in defense wars on the northern and eastern fronts of the empire. He was particularly concerned with public welfare, placing the good of society before his own comfort. He put good government into effect, limited the gladiatorial games, and passed laws that benefited slaves. He...
