figures - the ruler, philosopher - a thinker.If you only think and not act, then nothing good is not over.On the other hand, the philosopher will harm employment politics, distracting him from the knowledge of the world.In this respect, among the Roman rulers of Marcus Aurelius was no exception.He lived a double life.One was in front of everybody, and the other remained a mystery until his death.
Childhood
Marcus Aurelius, whose biography will be presented in this article, born into a wealthy Roman family in the year 121.The boy's father died early, and his upbringing was engaged grandfather, Annius Verus, who had twice visited the post of consul and was on good terms with the Emperor Hadrian, which consisted in relationship with him.
Young Aurelius was educated at home.He especially liked to study Stoic philosophy.He was a supporter of it for life.Soon the extraordinary progress in learning the boy himself remarked Anthony Pius (the ruling Emperor).Expecting his early death, he adopted Mark and began to prepare him for the position of Emperor.However, Antonin lived a lot longer than I thought.He died in the year 161.
ascent to the throne
Marcus Aurelius did not consider receiving imperial power somehow special and a turning point of his life.He ascended to the throne and another adopted son Anthony, Lucius Verus, but he was neither strategic talent nor the public mind (who died in 169 year).Once Aurelius took the reins in his hands, the problems began in the East, the Parthians invaded Syria and captured Armenia.Marc transfer additional legions.But the victory over the Parthians marred by plague epidemic that began in Mesopotamia and spread beyond the Empire.At the same time on the Danube border was attacked militant Slavic and Germanic tribes.Marc did not have enough soldiers, and had to be typed in the Roman army of gladiators.In 172, the Egyptians revolted.The revolt was suppressed by an experienced commander Cassius Abida, declared himself emperor.Marcus Aurelius against him, but the battle is not reached.Cassius killed the conspirators, and the true Emperor went home.
Reflections
returned to Rome, Marcus Aurelius once again was forced to defend the country from the Danubian tribes quads, Marcomanni and their allies.After reflection threat emperor fell ill (according to one version - a stomach ulcer, on the other - the plague).After a while, he died in Vindobona.Among his belongings were discovered manuscript on the first page of which was written "Marcus Aurelius.Reflections. "These records led the emperor to his campaigns.Later, they will be published under the title "Alone with you" and "Go to yourself."On this basis, we can assume that the manuscripts were not intended for publication, in fact the author really appeals to him, indulging in pleasure reflections and giving complete freedom of mind.But let it not peculiar philosophising.All reflections touched Emperor real life.
Content philosophical work
In "Reflections" Marcus Aurelius lists all good, what he had been taught the teachers and that he handed ancestors.He also thanked the gods (the fate of) for his disdain for wealth and luxury, moderation and a desire for justice.And he is very happy with that, "hoping to do philosophy, did not get to any of the sophist and sat down with the writers of critiques of syllogism, in parallel doing extraterrestrial phenomena" (in the last sentence refers to the dismissal of enthusiasm fortune telling, horoscopes and other superstitions, so popular during the degradation of the Roman Empire).
Mark knew that the wisdom of the governor is not in words, but above all in deeds.He wrote himself:
- «Work hard and do not complain.And not to make you amazed by your compassion and hard work.Wish one: rest and move as will be considered worthy of civic intelligence ".
- «Man in the joy of doing something that is peculiar to him.A characteristic of his contemplation of nature and kindness to the tribesmen. "
- «If someone can demonstrate the incorrectness of my actions, I shall listen with joy and make it right.I'm looking for the truth, which causes no harm;harms himself the only one who is in ignorance and lies. "
Conclusion
Marcus Aurelius, whose biography is described above, was truly a genius: being a prominent military leader and statesman, he remained a philosopher, to show wisdom and high intelligence.We can only regret that such people in the history of the world can be counted on the fingers: one power makes hypocrites, others - corrupts third - turns into opportunists, fourth refer to it as a means to satisfy their base needs, fifth becoming obedient tool in the foreignhostile hands ... Through the pursuit of truth and passion for philosophy, Mark has overcome the temptation of power without any effort.Few rulers have been able to understand and realize expressed his thought: "People live for each other."In his philosophical work as if he spoke to each of us: "Imagine that you are dead, living only so far.Remaining time given to you in excess of expectations, living in harmony with nature and society. "
