Marcus Aurelius
How to live the good and virtuous life in a world of chaos.
The famous historian Edward Gibbon wrote that under this man “the Roman Empire was governed by absolute power, under the guidance of wisdom and virtue”.
Usually, absolute power corrupts and yet here is a man who disciplined himself against a fall such as this.
Fortunately for mankind, he left a diary. It is a most unusual document in that he wrote it to himself never really envisioning its publication and subsequent popularity.
The book is entitled Meditations and contains the private thoughts of a Roman Emperor.
The philosophy he was taught and chose to reflect from as he analyzed his own life is called Stoicism.
Meditations, originally titled, “To Himself,” was written in the final years of Marcus’s life, while he was leading his army in a campaign against northern Germanic invaders.
His observations ring true to me but then I must remember that there is an even better way to view life through understanding the deepest meaning of the gospel — the good news he did not understand or embrace.
If you are seeking happiness like Marcus Aurelius was, try meditating and unlocking the meaning of the following passage from the Apostle Paul.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and blameless before him.
In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ,
according to the purpose of his will,
to the praise of his glorious grace,
with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
In him we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses,
according to the riches of his grace,
which he lavished upon us,
in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will,
according to his purpose,
which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time,
to unite all things in him,
things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtained an inheritance,
having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
In him you also,
when you heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation,
and believed in him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,
to the praise of his glory.