ARETEIOI CANON INDUCTEE

Lived	26 April 121 – 17 March 180 (Gregorian) 26 April 10121 – 17 March 10180 (Holocene)
Eras active	Axial
Associated phase	Growth

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher known as the last of the “Five Good Emperors” and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire. He stands out among the Emperors of Rome for his philosophical writings and just rule.

Reasons for Induction

• Reluctant Emperor: There are indications in his biographies that he was wary of imperial power and resistant to take the title of emperor. Ultimately, his Stoic convictions compelled him to do so. Additionally, at his request, his adoptive brother Lucius was made coemperor with him. Such sharing of power, especially the insistence of it, was rare in his day
  • A reluctant leader is far less likely to feel naturally superior to those they rule or cling to power. In times when heads of state were revered as gods, Marcus’s approach to the role speaks to a much more nuanced understanding of oneself in relation to others than previous emperors held
• Paragon of Duty: Despite poor health throughout his life, specifically chest pain and stomach ulcers, Marcus remained committed to his duty to the people of Rome. This was exemplified during the Antonine Plague (165-180 CE) which killed millions. Marcus remained at Rome and organized relief rather than fleeing
  • Marcus’s commitment to duty in the midst of immense physical and mental turmoil demonstrates great strength of character as well as courage and equanimity
• Guardian of Expression: Marcus and his co-emperor Lucius Verus permitted free speech throughout the Roman Empire. Writers freely criticized them with no pushback from the state. This is taken for granted today, but was a rare freedom in the Classical Age
  • Such aspects of Marcus’s reign depart from the norms of rulership in antiquity. His realization of the rights of others reflect a commitment to the virtues of justice and right action
• Empathetic Rule: In matters of law, Marcus saw his position as one that demanded he help the less fortunate: he assisted communities in times of famine, arranged for greater support for the poor and the guardianship of orphans, maintained infrastructure, and was remarkably progressive in matters relating to slavery, with biographers noting he had taken an interest in the manumission of slaves and had a “partiality for freedom”
  • The position of emperor (and similar titles of absolute authority) is in and of itself inherently un-Jiayan, which is why Marcus stands out as exceedingly compassionate. In particular, his treatment of the poor, slaves, and orphans reflect right intention and right livelihood
• Philosopher-King: Marcus’s seminal work, Meditations, a series of personal writings that record his private notes to himself, reflect his deeply entrenched Stoic ideas. Central to the work is the concept of the loss of ego and the development of a cosmic perspective, as well as the desire to live in harmony with the orderly and rational nature known as the Logos
  • Meditations is a profoundly influential series of writings and the ideas within resonate strongly with Jiayan teachings and ideas. The Logos is analogous to Ji and Marcus’s advocation that all things are interconnected is a central pillar of Jiayan thought
• Witness to Transience: In an age when rulers were revered as immortal or divine entities or connected with the heavens in some form, Marcus repeatedly reminded himself of the idea of “memento mori” in his Meditations. Marcus uses Alexander the Great and his mule-driver to illustrate a point about the impermanence of all things, no matter how seemingly great or important
  • As stated previously, Marcus’s writings reflect a profound understanding of the nature of reality (especially anicca) and a deep desire to let go of the passions. The fact that he wrote the Meditations while on the front lines of war may hint at an internal conflict