From Rusticus...

I.7. From Rusticus I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline; and from him I learned not to be led astray to sophistic emulation, nor to writing on speculative matters, nor to delivering little hortatory orations, nor to showing myself off as a man who practises much discipline, or does benevolent acts in order to make a display; and to abstain from rhetoric, and poetry, and fine writing; and not to walk about in the house in my outdoor dress, nor to do other things of the kind; and to write my letters with simplicity, like the letter which Rusticus wrote from Sinuessa to my mother; and with respect to those who have offended me by words, or done me wrong, to be easily disposed to be pacified and reconciled, as soon as they have shown a readiness to be reconciled; and to read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book; nor hastily to give my assent to those who talk overmuch; and I am indebted to him for being acquainted with the discourses of Epictetus, which he communicated to me out of his own collection.

Rusticus was one of, if not the, greatest influence for Stoicism upon Marcus. Rusticus was probably the grandson of a Stoic opponent of Domitian who had been killed by that cruel emperor. This “Stoic Opposition,” as termed by Anthony Birley, greatly influenced the Antoine emperors. Rusticus was much older than Marcus and was active in politics. He was not a formal teacher, but acted instead as an older friend and mentor of sorts. The Augustan History states explicitly that Marcus became Rusticus’ “disciple.”

…I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline; and from him I learned not to be led astray to sophistic emulation, nor to writing on speculative matters, nor to delivering little hortatory orations… and to abstain from rhetoric, and poetry, and fine writing…

This is a direct statement not only about Rusticus, but also about another influential person in Marcus’ life: Fronto. For a time Fronto and Rusticus seemed to have equal and opposite influence upon Marcus. Rusticus was the champion of philosophy, Fronto of rhetoric.

What is exciting is that we can see exactly when Marcus finally and decisively chose the path of philosophy espoused by Rusticus. As a teacher of rhetoric, Fronto had given Marcus a task to do: to debate both sides of a particular issue. In a letter to Fronto, Marcus writes: “[W]ith plenty of time on my hands I have not given an atom of it to the task you gave me to write. [The Stoic philosopher] Ariston’s books just now treat me well…” Marcus goes on to agree to finish the task Fronto gave him as his tutor, but refuses to follow the rhetorician’s way and argue both sides of the debate. The philosopher argues for what is right, he does not argue for the sake of arguing.

Marcus had made his choice for philosophy and refused rhetoric. Fronto later argued very persuasively for rhetoric, but to no avail. Rusticus had shown him a better way, a way so far above flowery words and flourishes that Fronto had no chance. Marcus was 25 years old when he made his final choice, some time in 146-147.

…nor to showing myself off as a man who practises much discipline, or does benevolent acts in order to make a display;… and not to walk about in the house in my outdoor dress, nor to do other things of the kind…

Again we return to modesty, as well as the reason behind the actions. We do benevolent actions because it is the right thing to do, not for the approbation of our peers.

…and to write my letters with simplicity, like the letter which Rusticus wrote from Sinuessa to my mother;

It is a shame that this letter does not survive, because it would be wonderful to compare this letter from Rusticus to those written by Fronto to Domita Lucilla. Fronto’s letters to her are anything from simple.

… and with respect to those who have offended me by words, or done me wrong, to be easily disposed to be pacified and reconciled, as soon as they have shown a readiness to be reconciled;

Forgiveness is stressed in many religions and philosophies, but this is not a pacifistic “turn the other cheek” approach. Marcus was well aware that he had a responsibility as Emperor of the Romans. He had tough decisions to make, decisions not accepted by all of those under his power. When they were ready to reconcile, Marcus was ready as well. But he refused to forgive unconditionally, or to sacrifice his judgement only to avoid offense.

One of the best known examples of Aurelian clemency was the case of his old teacher Herodes. Herodes had been accused of attempting to defraud the people of Athens from a bequest in a will, so the Athenians proceeded to bring him to trial. Herodes was indignant and railed publicly against Marcus, accusing him of attempting to gratify his wife by the trial. Ignoring the praetorian prefect who threatened him with death, Herodes stalked out of the trial. Marcus was completely calm during the whole ordeal, and proceeded to continue the trial without attempting to defend himself or punish Herodes for his insolence. Marcus found Herodes’ freedmen guilty of the crimes accused, but completely ignored Herodes words and actions towards himself.

…and to read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book;

Careful understanding of a theme, idea or person was stressed in Stoicism. We will come back to that in time.

…nor hastily to give my assent to those who talk overmuch;

Marcus knew his role was to run the Roman commonwealth. Not only would he not give his energy to creating rhetorical flourishes, he also would not be convinced by them. He would not be swayed without careful weighing his decision.

…and I am indebted to him for being acquainted with the discourses of Epictetus, which he communicated to me out of his own collection.

Marcus was certainly familiar with Seneca; Fronto mentions him in letters to Marcus. But Marcus’ true spiritual guide was Epictetus. He is quoted time and time again in the Meditations, either directly or paraphrased. Marcus takes the time to acknowledge that Rusticus was the one to introduce him to Epictetus.