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What Did Marcus Aurelius Believe?
Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, explored profound questions about life, duty, and the nature of existence. His writings, known as the Meditations, offer insights into his personal reflections and the Stoic principles he strove to live by. This page examines some of his key beliefs, drawing directly from his work and other ancient Stoic sources to provide a grounded understanding of his philosophy.
On this page you will get a clear explanation, a way to examine the idea, exact evidence from public-domain Stoic texts, and links for continuing the study.
The Nature of Change and Perishability
Marcus Aurelius considered that all parts of the universe must undergo change. He believed that this transformation is a natural necessity for these components, rather than an evil imposed upon them.
He questioned whether nature would intentionally cause harm to its own parts or if such changes occurred without its awareness. Both possibilities seemed incredible to him, suggesting a deeper, inherent order to change.
Sources: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.8
Understanding Duty and Right Action
Marcus Aurelius, like other Stoics, understood duty as actions that are rightly begun and performed. This concept distinguishes between 'mean duty' and 'absolute duty,' with the latter being considered 'right.'
The wise person, when acting, judges that their action is their duty. Because a wise person is never deceived in their judgment, duty is classified among neutral things.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18; Cicero, On Duties 1.8
The Role of Judgment in Action
For Marcus Aurelius, correct judgment is crucial for performing one's duty. The wise person's judgment in discerning duty is never mistaken, which elevates duty to a significant category of action.
An action is considered rightly done when it aligns with what is just. For instance, restoring a justly deposited item is a right action, and the mere act of restoring it is a duty.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18
Distinguishing Absolute and Mean Duty
Stoic philosophy, which influenced Marcus Aurelius, makes a clear distinction between 'mean duty' and 'absolute duty.' Absolute duty is synonymous with what is right, termed 'katorthoma' by the Greeks.
Mean duty, on the other hand, is an action for which a reasonable justification can be provided. This classification helps to understand the varying degrees of moral obligation and appropriateness in actions.
Sources: Cicero, On Duties 1.8
The Inevitability of Perishability
Marcus Aurelius recognized that all components of the universe are subject to perishing, but he clarified that this means they undergo change rather than simply ceasing to exist. This perspective reframes mortality as transformation.
He considered it incredible that nature would either intend harm to its parts or be unaware of their changes. This suggests a view of nature as an ordered system where change is a fundamental and necessary process.
Sources: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.8
The Whole and Its Parts
Marcus Aurelius contemplated the relationship between the whole universe and its individual parts. He believed that if the parts were inherently subject to evil and destruction, the whole could not remain in a good state.
This implies a harmonious relationship where the changes and transformations of the parts contribute to the overall well-being and continuity of the whole. Individual existence is integral to a larger, interconnected system.
Sources: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.8
What the primary texts say
These excerpts keep their work and exact locator so you can check the claim in context rather than accepting a detached quotation.
“The parts of the whole, everything, I mean, which is naturally comprehended in the universe, must of necessity perish; but let this be understood in this sense, that they must undergo change.”
“Absolute duty we may, I presume, call right, for the Greeks call it kato/rqwma, while the ordinary duty they call kaqh=kon.”
“He therefore, when he acts, judges that that is his duty; and because he is never deceived in forming his judgment, duty must be classed among neutral things;”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Stoic view on change and perishing?
Stoics, including Marcus Aurelius, believed that all parts of the universe must undergo change. This 'perishing' is understood as transformation, a natural necessity rather than an inherent evil, essential for the whole to continue in a good condition.
Sources: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.8
How did Marcus Aurelius define duty?
Marcus Aurelius, following Stoic thought, distinguished between 'mean duty' and 'absolute duty.' Absolute duty is what is right, while mean duty is an action for which an adequate reason can be given. The wise person's judgment identifies duty.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18; Cicero, On Duties 1.8
What is the significance of judgment in Stoic duty?
For Marcus Aurelius, correct judgment is fundamental to duty. A wise person's judgment in determining duty is never mistaken. This means that duty, when rightly judged and performed, contributes to a life in accordance with nature.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18
What is the relationship between the 'whole' and its 'parts' in Marcus Aurelius's philosophy?
Marcus Aurelius believed that the universe, as a whole, could not remain in a good state if its parts were inherently subject to evil. This implies that the changes and transformations of individual parts are necessary for the overall harmony and continuity of the entire system.
Sources: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.8
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