The Golden Book of Marcus Aurelius

Hello again everyone. I was very pleased to have visited Rome last week, and thought you might enjoy some of the photographs that I took in, and outside the Capitoline Museum. The Equestrian Statue of Marcus, which I was very much looking forward to seeing can be found in the museum, and I was not disappointed; it is breathtaking. There is also a copy of it in the square just outside the front that sits atop a pedestal designed by Michelangelo. I also have posted photographs of some very nice reliefs in the museum depicting Marcus displaying the virtues of clemency, triumph and sacrifice. If you think the statue of triumph looks a little unbalanced, it might interest you to know that it is because his son Commodus was originally depicted in the chariot beside Marcus, but was later removed after Commodus was condemned to the damnatio memoriae whereby images of the disgraced would be forever destroyed. If you are interested in Marcus and in Rome, I'd recommend a visit to the Capitoline Museum. Enjoy! http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

In the final episode, Marcus covers a range of areas, declaring with certainty that the Gods exist, that we are all one collective soul, and gives us a nice perspective on our lives measured against the vastness of eternity, and draws the conclusion that death is the natural order of the universe. If you’ve made it this far, I'd especially welcome your comments on the website or through the ratings or comments sections of learnoutloud, iTunes or however else you found the podcast. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed this podcast, but am keen to improve, and if you have any ideas as to what you would like to hear next, please let me know. Although this is the final book (the twelfth book), I may do some additional episodes so please watch this space. http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

In this penultimate book, Marcus discloses the 4 dispositions of the mind to be aware of and rectify, and he also gives us 10 heads or contemplations /maxims to live according to (9 of his own, and 1 that he borrows form Hercules): http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

Marcus explores the idea of Truth, Modesty and Goodness. He encourages us to teach others as kinsmen (or to die), and where appropriate, to collect ourselves. He also shares a joke: “What is it that is slow, and yet quick? Merry, and yet grave? He that in all things doth follow reason for his guide” http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

Marcus explores and substantiates his assertion that injustice is against nature, also the sin of omission (for example failing to teach someone their error is our sin), and that we are all naturally reasonable creatures, but that we forget this. He believes it is our actions and what we do that matters, and in our deeds we must recognise that we are part of a society. He also alludes to a personal dislike of politicians: http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

Some 1500 years before Sir Isaac Newton undertook his exploration of light, Marcus was also trying to understand it. His conclusions (for me) evoke echoes of the jurisprudence of the light of natural reason of Thomas Aquinas, and also reminds me of a famous Bradford quote about light where he speaks about evangelism: “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many”. The remainder of book eight is very specific and personal to Marcus and leads me to draw the conclusion of a dutiful but unhappy Marcus, surrounded by sycophants and yes-men, his biggest fear perhaps becoming vainglorious. He compares emperors with philosophers, and he recommends that we develop and round our minds to make them unconquerable. http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

Book Seven covers a range of topics in a journey from wickedness to tranquility. Marcus explores what wickedness truly means, and scoffs at the idea of eliminating it, concluding instead that the best we can do is restrain it, with anger and passion being the enemy of reason and therefore against nature. He states that no-one is bereft of the truth (“straight of itself, not made straight”) and compels us to pity (rather than despise) the fool. Marcus says that immortality is mans greatest desire (however unattainable) and advises therefore that we live every day as if it were our last, not worrying about the future (as it will all be ok in the end, and although the body and mind may suffer, the soul does not). He encourages us to keep our essence (“I must still be as an emerald”), and appears to be greatly moved by the plight of Socrates who was of course forced to drink poison: http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

In this book, Marcus speaks of the common good, lists some of his heroes, and concludes that we live in a rational, all-connected universe in perpetual flux and regeneration, and to rejoice in seeing the best in others. Although he hasn’t decided if there is one God or many, he advises to worship them just in case: http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

Book Five, in which Marcus encourages us to stir from bed, do our duty with courage, and to self-examine our actions, without seeking reward or recompense, is now ready at the following link: http://goo.gl/L7NWlY

Book Four is ready now. In this book, Marcus describes how to (as I would put it) "get Zen". In an episode about acceptance of the vastness of eternity, the vanity of seeking fame, and the consideration of the world as “one living substance, and having but one soul”, he recommends that a man “cannot any wither retire better than to his own soul”. He also uses some imagery that conjures up a sense of the hustle and bustle of Roman times: http://goo.gl/L7NWlY