From my mother...

I. 3. From my mother, piety and beneficence, and abstinence, not only from evil deeds, but even from evil thoughts; and further, simplicity in my way of living, far removed from the habits of the rich.

Marcus’ mother Domita Lucilla was from an important family. Her father was twice consul, and her family owned important tile and brick factories close to Rome.

She must have been quite well educated. A number of letters to her from Fronto exist. He wrote to her in Greek and asked Marcus to check the letters for mistakes before giving them to his mother. Domita Lucilla must have been fluent in Greek, and Fronto was worried that he might embarrass himself with mistakes in that language. Fronto praises her highly, saying to her that “you possess and are mistress of all virtues and accomplishments befitting a woman.”

Marcus was greatly attached to his mother. Domita Lucilla is frequently mentioned in his letters to Fronto, and he shares amazing private moments with her, such as discussions sitting on her bed. She cared for her family deeply. Although she inherited the brick and tile factories and was extremely wealthy, she seemed to attempt to keep her household simply.

Domita Lucilla appears to have displayed an important tenet to Marcus in that she not only avoided bad actions but also tried to avoid bad thoughts. This is found in many philosophies and religions. The control of perceptions and the control of thoughts is very important in Stoicism.