Over the years I've read a decent bit of his writings in various contexts, there's definitely value to be had. If I recall my history correctly he was a fairly decent fellow, at least for a Roman emperor. My issue with him and the Stoics more generally is my brain is saying take action! when they're saying endure. Not necessarily mutually exclusive but I'm inclined towards a more proactive approach to things.
Best of luck with that and the competition this weekend!
I can't imagine the job to have been easy and I'd say that each who held the title did so for a good reason although some would have been far worse than others. Caligula comes to mind although I've read that the sources of the more negative aspects of his reign are questionable at best. [I don't have the research to know differently, and I htink very little about his reign survives.] He met a grisly end though, either way.
Still, I wonder what makes an Roman Emperor you know?
I hear what you're saying about Aurelius and the take action ethos. I operate thusly.
Weather is terrible here, conditions at the range will be tomorrow too I'd say...I'll still go. I'm hoping Sunday is a bit better. Looking forward to that long hike.
what makes an Roman Emperor
I think the recipe calls for equal parts ruthlessness and paranoia. Judging by what I've read of his writings, I suspect Aurelius was one of the few that may have gave some thought to more than just what was good for him.
Nero and Caligula are the best known of the far worse category, and while what you've read is most likely correct they were still some rather unsavory individuals. We'll probably never know for sure, historians have to make do with what survives and sorting out biases and bad information 1000+ years later is something less than a precise science.
There's a saying/bumper sticker here, a bad day fishing is better than a good day working, I imagine the same holds true for the range. Enjoy the hike, snap a few photos for me!
I'm actually pretty interested in the Roman Empire and have visited a lot of ruins both in Italy and Britain. I'm no expert of course, just find it interesting. I'd say you're right about the emperor thing...A fairly powerful but precarious position where watching ones six was probably well advised.
We have the same saying here. It's a good one and yep, I'm looking forward to the hike...But shooting first, today. I'm going old-school with my P-09 instead of Shadow 2. I'll not win with it...But figured I'd blow the cobwebs out. I'll probably do a post.
I'll catch ya.