Marcus Aurelius emphasized several key virtues in his “Meditations” and personal philosophy, drawing from Stoic traditions while adding his own insights. These same virtues underpin the intellectual virtues that make engineers better. Here are the main virtues he emphasized:
Justice (Iustitia):
- Treating others fairly and with kindness
- Giving people what they deserve
- Acting for the common good rather than personal gain
- He wrote: “What injures the hive injures the bee”
Wisdom (Sapientia):
- Understanding the true nature of things
- Distinguishing between what we can and cannot control
- Seeing things objectively without emotional distortion
- A famous quote: “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it”
Courage (Fortitudo):
- Facing adversity with strength
- Accepting what cannot be changed
- Standing firm in one’s principles
- Doing what is right despite fear
Temperance (Temperantia):
- Practicing moderation in all things
- Controlling one’s desires and impulses
- Living simply despite having power
- He emphasized: “Very little is needed to make a happy life”
Self-Discipline:
- Following reason rather than impulse
- Maintaining focus on important tasks
- Controlling one’s reactions to events
- “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one”
Duty (Pietas):
- Fulfilling one’s obligations
- Serving the greater good
- Accepting one’s role with dignity
- “Do what must be done”
Truthfulness:
- Being honest with oneself and others
- Seeing reality clearly without illusion
- Speaking and living authentically
- “If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it”
Acceptance:
- Embracing what happens without complaint
- Understanding the natural order of things
- Finding peace with inevitable change
- “Accept the things to which fate binds you”