Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius emphasized several key virtues in his “Meditations” and personal philosophy, drawing from Stoic traditions while adding his own insights. Here are the main virtues he emphasized:

Justice (Iustitia):

• Treating others fairly and with kindness
• Giving people what they deserve
• Acting for the common good rather than personal gain
• He wrote: “What injures the hive injures the bee”

Wisdom (Sapientia):

• Understanding the true nature of things
• Distinguishing between what we can and cannot control
• Seeing things objectively without emotional distortion
• A famous quote: “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it”

Courage (Fortitudo):

• Facing adversity with strength
• Accepting what cannot be changed
• Standing firm in one’s principles
• Doing what is right despite fear

Temperance (Temperantia):

• Practicing moderation in all things
• Controlling one’s desires and impulses
• Living simply despite having power
• He emphasized: “Very little is needed to make a happy life”

Self-Discipline:

• Following reason rather than impulse
• Maintaining focus on important tasks
• Controlling one’s reactions to events
• “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one”

Duty (Pietas):

• Fulfilling one’s obligations
• Serving the greater good
• Accepting one’s role with dignity
• “Do what must be done”

Truthfulness:

• Being honest with oneself and others
• Seeing reality clearly without illusion
• Speaking and living authentically
• “If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it”

Acceptance:

• Embracing what happens without complaint
• Understanding the natural order of things
• Finding peace with inevitable change
• “Accept the things to which fate binds you”