"From Apollonius, true liberty, and unvariable steadfastness, and notto regard anything at all, though never so little, but right and reason: and always, whether in the sharpest pains, or after the loss of a child, or in long diseases, to be still the same man" (Meditations: Book One: V)
Marcus Aurelius, one of the "Five Good Emperors of Rome" wrote a series of journals throughout his reign. His personal writings were later titled and published as Meditations. In Meditations, he sets forth his Stoic beliefs and philosophies. His declared stoicism in many ways contradicts his actions as Emperor of Rome.
The purpose of this website is to show how Marcus Aurelius' beliefs, thoughts, and ideas professed in Meditations do not harmoniously intertwine with his time as Emperor. This website displays pages dedicated to Marcus Aurelius, Books One, Two and Tree of Meditations. In the section labeled Marcus Aurelius, you will find background information detailing Marcus Aurelius' life prior to his reign and during. In the sections labeled Book I, II, and III there is a translation of the text, themes found in each, and a list of contradictions. The contradictions made throughout the texts come from historical events, and recounts occurring during Marcus Aurelius' reign. Towards the end of each text is a bibliography listing the sources used to prove Marcus Aurelius's stoic philosophies contradicte with his actions as Emperor of Rome.