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Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor, is often depicted as a man of unwavering rationality and emotional control. However, a new biography by Donald Robertson offers a more comprehensive view of the emperor, revealing that he was not immune to emotions.
In the pages of Robertson's biography, available at The Painted Porch, readers will find examples of Marcus Aurelius's emotional responses, particularly his tears of sadness, love, and compassion. One such instance occurred towards the end of his life when he cried upon reading a letter informing him of a catastrophic earthquake that had leveled the city of Smyrna in Turkey. The tears soaked the parchment as he read the letter, describing the city turning into a desert-like area through which west winds blew.
Despite being a powerful head of state, warrior, and brilliant man, Marcus Aurelius is known to have cried frequently. These tears were not out of fear, self-pity, or disappointment, but from sadness, love, and compassion. The destruction of Smyrna was not the only event that moved him. He was also moved by a roll call of plague victims, the death of a beloved tutor, and the enormity of the imperial burden.
The biography provides insights into how Marcus Aurelius processed his emotions and continued his duties. He was a human being who cared about others and felt grief and loss when faced with personal tragedies. However, he did not suppress his emotions but dealt with them before continuing his responsibilities.
Marcus Aurelius's emotional moments are primarily recorded as internal conflicts and reflections rather than explicit episodes of tears or overt emotional displays. His approach was to recognize emotions and their natural emergence but to master and transform them according to Stoic discipline. This nuanced expression of emotion shows a complex human figure balancing profound personal feelings with philosophical ideals.
The text also encourages readers to emulate Marcus Aurelius's approach to dealing with emotions and continuing with responsibilities. Despite the immense pressures of ruling an empire and dealing with personal losses, Marcus Aurelius managed to maintain a sense of humanity and compassion. His life serves as a testament to the fact that even the most stoic among us can still feel deeply and respond empathetically to the world around us.
In conclusion, the biography of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson offers a more comprehensive view of the emperor, revealing his emotional responses and the ways in which he managed them according to Stoic discipline. This nuanced portrayal of Marcus Aurelius as a complex human figure, capable of deep emotions and philosophical reflection, adds another layer to our understanding of this remarkable historical figure.
[1] Inwood, Brad. "Marcus Aurelius." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Winter 2020 Edition, plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2020/entries/marcus-aurelius/. [2] Long, A. A. "Marcus Aurelius." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2019, www.iep.utm.edu/marcus/. [3] Robertson, Donald J. "How to Think Like Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius." The Guardian, Guardian News & Media Limited, 16 Feb. 2019, www.theguardian.com/books/2019/feb/16/how-to-think-like-roman-emperor-marcus-aurelius-donald-j-robertson-review.
[1] Marcus Aurelius's life, as portrayed in Robertson's biography, serves as a guide for education-and-self-development, offering insights into personal-growth, particularly in managing emotions and maintaining duties.
[2] Readers will find in the biography that Marcus Aurelius's emotional responses, such as tears of sadness, love, and compassion, illustrate the power of emotional balance and empathy, sparking personal-growth and fostering a sense of humanity.
