This webpage contains a brief overview of the recently published book 'Philosophical Sketches'. Below you will find a short Chapter summary on Marcus Aurelius, the book cover and back page text, links to other book chapters, and introduction. You can buy this book online at our Cafepress Philosophy Book Shop (Book Details: 90 pages, 30 full page portraits, 8.5 inches by 11 inches, $19.50 USD)
Hope you find it interesting,
Geoff Haselhurst & Karene Jade Howie
Chapter Ten: Marcus AureliusImperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus was Roman Emperor from 161 to his death in 180. He was educated to philosophy as a youth and was influenced by Apollonius of Chalcedon, Junius Rusticus and other Stoic philosophers.
During his reign Marcus Aurelius was almost constantly at war with various peoples outside the Empire.
While on campaign between 170 and 180, Aurelius wrote his Meditations as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. His notes were representative of Stoic / Pantheistic philosophy and spirituality. These meditations survive and are studied by others to this day. They express an understanding the universe is an interconnected dynamic unity which is governed by absolute natural laws. The ethics of Stoicism is founded on living in harmony with nature. This is achieved by uniting and governing the rationality of man with the rationality (logos, reason, natural laws) of the universe. ... (see book for more)
Everything harmonizes with me which is harmonious to thee, O Universe: from thee are all things, in thee are all things, to thee all things return.
Frequently consider the connection of all things in the universe.
We should not say ‘I am an Athenian’ or ‘I am a Roman’ but ‘I am a citizen of the Universe’ (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations)
Philosophical
SketchesA lively and concise journey through the central ideas of thirty famous philosophers. From ancient Indian, Greek and Chinese Philosophy to modern Western Philosophy, this book explores the changing foundations of human knowledge and their effect on how we think and live.
Includes full page portraits, brief biographies and selected quotes from some of the greatest minds of human history on the universal subjects of Truth, Reality, Nature, Cosmos, Wisdom, Morality, Mind, Education, Politics, Art, Religion & God.
Written for the lay person, while remaining true to the original ideas, this is an engaging account of the Metaphysical foundations of Philosophy that is both illuminating and thought provoking. (Cover Photograph: Plato & Aristotle - The School of Athens by Raphael)
Space and Motion Publications
Online print on demand publishers of books on;
Philosophy, Physics, Metaphysics, Truth, Reality, Evolution, Ecology, Nature, Education, Politics, Fine Art, Erotic Art, Nature, Cosmos, Wisdom, Morality, Mind, Religion & God.
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/books/online-book-publishing.htm
We also have a nice philosophy web page on Marcus Aurelius;
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Philosophy-Marcus-Aurelius.htm