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Today, we are venturing into the heart of Rome, circa 170 A.D., to explore the morning routine of Marcus Aurelius—the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. So, sit back, relax, and grab your favourite morning beverage as we journey back in time. Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 A.D., was not just a ruler but a thinker, a Stoic philosopher who wrote down his thoughts in a series of notebooks known as ‘Meditations.’ These weren’t intended for public consumption, rather they were his personal reminders on how to live a virtuous life, according to Stoic philosophy.
Marcus Aurelius is often cited as the last of the Five Good Emperors, a term coined to describe rulers who governed with capability, fairness, and a moral compass. But Aurelius was not just a ruler; he was also a philosopher. In his ‘Meditations,’ a collection of personal writings, he left behind a treasure trove of Stoic philosophy, which has influenced thinkers and leaders for centuries. Before we delve into his morning routine, it’s crucial to understand the pillars of Stoicism that Marcus Aurelius abided by: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. These virtues are the compass guiding all Stoic actions and thoughts. Marcus wrote in ‘Meditations,’ ‘Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.’ His mornings were a reflection of this idea, a balance between contemplation and action.
In the realm of Stoicism, the morning is not just the start of a new day but a metaphorical battlefield, a platform to practice virtues and to prepare oneself for the challenges ahead. Stoicism teaches us to take nothing for granted, to be mindful of our mortality, and to focus on what we can control. Stoicism places a heavy emphasis on mindfulness and preparation. Marcus Aurelius started his day by mentally preparing for the trials ahead. A quote from ‘Meditations’ that comes to mind is, ‘Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness.’ By expecting these challenges, Marcus conditioned himself to react with equanimity and wisdom.
Marcus Aurelius once wrote, ‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’ This Stoic tenet reminds us that life is not to be squandered, and mornings are an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the day. But how did Marcus Aurelius put these Stoic principles into practice in his morning routine? Historical accounts suggest that Marcus Aurelius had a strong sense of duty, which often began with his responsibilities as a ruler. However, before tending to the matters of the state, Marcus would engage in a moment of solitude, grounding his thoughts in Stoic philosophy. He would reflect on the kind of challenges he might encounter—difficult people, betrayal, failure—and prepare himself mentally to face them with equanimity.
“He also wrote, ‘In the morning, when you rise unwillingly, let this thought be present: I am rising to the work of a human being.’ This simple thought encapsulates the essence of Stoicism: life is work, and work in itself is virtuous if done with right intentions.
So, what can we take away from Marcus Aurelius’ morning routine? It’s simple, yet profound: Ground your day with purpose, reflect on the bigger picture, and welcome life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and practice of virtue. These are lessons that transcend time and continue to be relevant even in our fast-paced, modern lives.
Mortality and the Present Moment:
Stoicism also teaches us to be aware of our mortality, and Marcus Aurelius practiced this through what is known as Memento Mori—remembering that we will die. This is not a morbid practice but rather a way to cherish the present moment. He wrote, ‘So keep yourself simple, good, pure, serious, unpretentious, a friend of justice, god-fearing, kind, full of affection, strong for your proper work.‘ By keeping these thoughts in mind, he made the most of each day, embracing the present moment as a gift. To sum it up, Marcus Aurelius set a Stoic tone each morning through mindfulness, preparation for adversity, a focus on his responsibilities, and a keen awareness of his own mortality. This was not just a ‘routine’ in the conventional sense but a series of life-affirming practices that set him up for a day of virtuous living. Incorporating a bit of Stoicism into your mornings may not turn you into a Roman Emperor, but it can certainly arm you with the tools you need to conquer your day. As we navigate our own modern lives, which can often feel overwhelming and unfocused, incorporating some of these Stoic practices can offer us clarity, purpose, and a solid footing for the day ahead.
