Introduction to Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor, wrote meditations that have become one of the most frequently read writings, alongside the Bible and the Koran. These considerations were written for himself and not intended for publication. He ruled during a time of crises and disasters, including the Marcomannic Wars, economic problems, social tensions, and the spread of the Antonine plague.
The Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a fan of the Stoic school of philosophy, which was founded by the Greek Zeno of Citium in 300 BC. One of the basic principles of Marcus Aurelius was equalism. He wanted to be a good ruler, but the question of what good government is was of great importance to him. This question remains relevant to this day and was reflected in his meditations.
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius’ meditations were never published during his lifetime. He wrote them for himself in the silence of his room in the evening. It was only after their publication in the 15th or 16th century that he acquired the image of a philosopher king. The meditations contain clever statements, such as "Look inside. Inside is the fountain of the good, and it will ever inflate when you will ever dig." Another notable quote is "You have power over your mind, not outside of events."
The Exhibition on Marcus Aurelius
A joint exhibition on Marcus Aurelius is taking place in two museums in Trier, from June 15 to November 23, 2025. The exhibition is co-curated by archaeologist Marcus Reuter and historian Viola Skiba. The topics of the exhibition are more current than expected, and the question of what good leadership looks like has taken on a new urgency in these crisis-led and polarized times.
Characteristics of a Good Leader
According to Marcus Aurelius, a good government is guided by the cardinal virtues of antiquity, including wisdom, justice, prudence, and moderation. The key concept is the "orientation towards the common good," which acts in a way that benefits the entire community. This is what distinguishes a good ruler from a bad one, according to the Greek philosopher Aristotle.
Comparison with Modern Leaders
Marcus Aurelius would most likely have considered Donald Trump as "not a good leader and certainly not a role model." However, it is also important to note that Marcus Aurelius was a product of his time and grew up in the social structures of antiquity. He did not question the existence of slavery, and women did not have the same rights as men during his time.
The Life of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was extensively involved in court cases and tried to determine just judgments, always putting the interests of the state first. He also built the Porta Nigra in Trier, which is now a famous landmark of the city, as part of the city wall to protect its citizens. Additionally, he cultivated a modest lifestyle and even auctioned off imperial budgets when the state was in a financial crisis.
The Meaning of Life
Marcus Aurelius spent a lot of time thinking about the meaning of life, which is probably why many young people are interested in him and his writings. His meditations contain aphorisms such as "It is very little necessary to make a happy life." These writings are not meant to be read from front to back but are well-suited to finding inspiration for tackling almost every situation in life.
Conclusion
The exhibition in Trier aims to inspire visitors from all over the world to reflect on themselves, society, and what an ancient Roman emperor still has to say today. As Viola Skiba puts it, "Every society is based on individuals, and if each individual arises these philosophical and political questions, it also works as a whole."
