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# The Daily Routine of Marcus Aurelius, the Philosopher King

## Waking Up and Starting the Day

Two thousand years ago, Marcus Aurelius was the most powerful man on Earth. As the Roman Emperor, he controlled an empire of tens of millions of square miles and the lives of countless people. Yet, despite his immense power and responsibility, he managed to prove himself worthy of it all.

We know about Marcus Aurelius' daily routine thanks to his personal writings, the Meditations. He was an early riser, not by nature, but by habit. He would wake up at dawn and immediately challenge himself, telling himself that he must get up and do the work of a human being. He didn't indulge in the temptation to stay warm and comfortable in bed.

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Instead, Marcus used this early morning time for stillness, reflection, and philosophical study. He didn't immediately jump into the day's tasks and distractions. Rather, he cultivated a state of ataraxia - freedom from disturbance - before facing the challenges that would come.

## Anticipating the Day Ahead

As Marcus prepared for his day, he would mentally rehearse the types of people he would encounter - the "meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly" individuals he would have to deal with. This practice of "premeditation" allowed him to anticipate difficulties and respond with patience and understanding, rather than being caught off guard and reacting emotionally.

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Marcus knew that his responsibilities were immense - making decisions, hearing cases, speaking to crowds, and even leading troops into battle. He emphasized the importance of focus, of "winnowing your thoughts" and not letting his mind wander. He strived to be fully present and engaged in the task at hand, practicing what modern thinkers call "deep work."

## Finding Balance and Respite

While Marcus worked tirelessly, he also recognized the need for balance and respite. He engaged in physical exercise like boxing, wrestling, hunting, and horseback riding. He also found solace in nature, taking walks and observing the world around him. These activities allowed him to wash off the "dirt of Earthly life" and return to his duties refreshed.

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Marcus also found pleasure in reading and writing. He was an avid student of philosophy, constantly studying the works of Epictetus, Seneca, and others. This intellectual pursuit was not just a hobby, but an essential part of his daily routine - a way to hold himself accountable and continue his personal growth.

## Coping with Stress and Adversity

Marcus' reign was marked by a series of challenges - floods, plagues, wars, and family issues. The stress must have been overwhelming, yet he remained calm and centered. He practiced the Stoic principles of seeing obstacles as opportunities and not being reactive, but intentional.

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In the evenings, Marcus would engage in a ritual of self-reflection and review. He would put himself "up for review," examining his actions, decisions, and areas for improvement. This practice of "memento mori" - remembering that he could die at any moment - helped him stay grounded and focused on what truly mattered.

## Lessons for Modern Life

While Marcus Aurelius' life was vastly different from our own, his daily routine and philosophical practices offer valuable lessons for us today. His emphasis on morning routines, focus, balance, and self-accountability are all habits we can cultivate in our own lives.

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The more things change, the more they stay the same. Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher king, faced challenges and temptations that are not so different from our own. By understanding and emulating his daily practices, we can strive to live with the same wisdom, discipline, and virtue that defined his remarkable life.