From my governor...

I. 5. From my governor, to be neither of the green nor of the blue party at the games in the Circus, nor a partizan either of the Parmularius or the Scutarius at the gladiators' fights; from him too I learned endurance of labour, and to want little, and to work with my own hands, and not to meddle with other people's affairs, and not to be ready to listen to slander.

Exactly who this governor or tutor was is unknown. Gregory Hays translates this as “my first teacher” instead of governor or tutor. If this is the case, it is possible that this passage refers to one of Marcus’ first two teachers: Euphorio or Geminus. Euphorio was presumably Greek and taught Marcus Greek and Greek literature, while Geminus may have helped him in Latin and drama. Both were probably family slaves.

Anthony Birley believes this passage refers to neither of them, but to a third teacher who was in charge of Marcus’ general early education and development. He probably oversaw Marcus’ total education and Euphorio and Geminus were in charge of more specialist areas. The name of this third teacher is unknown for certain.

Other teachers are mentioned by the Augustan History but not here in the Meditations. There was Andron, who taught Marcus music and geometry. Trosius Aper, Pollio, and Eutychius Proculus of Sicca taught him Latin grammar. In Greek oratory Ainius Macer, Caninius Celer and Herodes Atticus were his masters. It is doubtful that any of these is meant as his “governor” or “educator.” C.R. Haines points out that the “educator” of Marcus is named as Alexander of Comtiaeum in other sources, but he has his own entry later. So this passage can not refer to him.

…to be neither of the green nor of the blue party at the games in the Circus, nor a partizan either of the Parmularius or the Scutarius at the gladiators' fights;

Regardless of who this person was, he gave solid Stoic advice. Epictetus too advised against becoming embroiled in the spectator sports of the day.

…from him too I learned endurance of labour, and to want little, and to work with my own hands,

Endurance of labour was something Marcus enjoyed; there are letters of his to Fronto in which he extols the joy of working with his own hands during the vintage season. Marcus’ joy after a long day working on harvesting grapes is clearly evident.

To have few wants is a staple of Stoicism. It can be found in Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus.

…and not to meddle with other people's affairs, and not to be ready to listen to slander.

To mind one’s own affairs was counselled by Epictetus, as well as to ignore slander. Epictetus even advised one to say “He doesn’t know all my faults, if he only mentioned those!” when informed of slanderous talk. This is excellent, timeless advice.