Marius the Epicurean · Chapter
XIX: The Will as Vision explained
Marius reflects on Marcus Aurelius's departure for the war on the Danube, viewing it as a Platonic sacrifice of the true king who serves others.
What happens
Marius reflects on Marcus Aurelius's departure for the war on the Danube, viewing it as a Platonic sacrifice of the true king who serves others. He contemplates the nature of belief, the will as an organ of knowledge, and experiences a serene day at Tibur, where he feels a restored sense of self-possession and joy.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Moral Principle and Right Conduct
Explores the Platonic ideal of the true king as a servant and Aurelius's sacrificial acceptance of public duty.
Epicurean Philosophy and the Pursuit of Pleasure
Marius's pursuit of serenity and the will as an organ of knowledge reflect Epicurean and Stoic contemplations on happiness.
Suffering, Compassion, and Human Solidarity
Aurelius's visible suffering and Marius's empathetic reflection on his burden highlight the theme of shared human struggle.
Characters to notice
- Marius
Observes Aurelius's departure, reflects on philosophy and belief, and experiences a serene day at Tibur.
- Marcus Aurelius
Departs for the Danube war, sells imperial treasures for the public good, and is seen by Marius as a suffering, sacrificial king.
- Faustina
Her wardrobe is sold at auction for the war effort, and she bears the loss without complaint.
- Antoninus Pius
Mentioned in the context of Aurelius's adoption and dream of ivory shoulders.
- Plato
His ideal of the true king as a servant is referenced in relation to Aurelius's sacrifice.
- Saint Lewis
Cited as an example of the true king who exiles himself from the better land to serve others.
- Hadrian
His armour is worn by Aurelius, and his collection of gems is sold at auction.
Key passages
“Paratum cor meum deus! paratum cor meum!”
My heart is ready, O God! My heart is ready!
Opening exclamation reflecting readiness for sacrifice.
“True kingship, as Plato, the old master of Aurelius, had understood it, was essentially of the nature of a service.”
According to Plato, true kingship is fundamentally a form of service.
Platonic ideal of the ruler as servant.
“The true king, the righteous king, would be Saint Lewis, exiling himself from the better land and its perfected company...”
The ideal king, like Saint Lewis, would leave a perfect realm to serve others.
Comparison of Christian and Platonic kingship.
“Might the will itself be an organ of knowledge, of vision?”
Could the will be a means of perceiving truth?
Central philosophical question of the chapter.
“These treasures, said Aurelius, like all else that I possess, belong by right to the Senate and People.”
Aurelius declared that his treasures rightfully belong to the Senate and the people.
Aurelius's public-spirited sale of imperial property.
