Avoid the Misuse of This Resource
In a world where life is a "trillion to one chance," it's essential to remember that every moment matters. This lesson can be drawn from the life of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. His survival through infancy and eventual rise to power amidst the high infant mortality rates in ancient Rome serves as a powerful reminder to seize the day and live boldly.
Marcus Aurelius, born on April 26, 121 CE, was not just any ordinary Roman infant. He was born into a distinguished family, with his original name being Marcus Annius Verus before ascending to the throne. Being part of the upper class meant access to superior nutrition, healthcare, and protection compared to the average Roman infant, which would have significantly improved his chances of survival in a time of generally high infant mortality[1].
His rise to power was also tied to specific circumstances. The political strategy of adoption by Emperor Antoninus Pius, who was himself the adopted son of Emperor Hadrian, played a significant role. Marcus was adopted by Antoninus Pius, making him the legal heir to the throne. This adoption also integrated Marcus into the ruling elite, providing stability and safety not afforded to common children[1][3].
Marriage alliances were another factor in Marcus Aurelius' survival. He married Annia Galeria Faustina the Younger, his maternal cousin, who herself was the only surviving child of her family. This marriage was part of an arrangement orchestrated by the imperial family to consolidate power and protect their lineage. Such alliances reinforced the status and security of Marcus and his offspring in the imperial hierarchy, further safeguarding their survival and prominence[3].
As a member of the imperial family, Marcus would have had the care of the best physicians and an environment protected from many common causes of infant mortality in Rome such as malnutrition or disease that affected the general population severely[1]. Despite the prevalence of plagues and diseases during his reign, such as the Antonine Plague, his survival well into adulthood and eventual rise to emperor suggest that his early life was protected by his privileged status long before the widespread outbreaks occurred[2].
In essence, Marcus Aurelius survived infancy due to his noble birth, the protective political framework of imperial adoption, strategic family alliances, and access to superior care, all of which combined to shield him from the harsh realities of high infant mortality that plagued less privileged Roman infants during that period[1][3][2].
This story serves as a poignant reminder that we should not waste time chasing certainty or comfort. The future is uncertain, according to Seneca, and we should live immediately and not wait for the perfect moment. The Memento Mori medallion, a tangible reminder to live immediately and keep one's spirit strong, echoes this sentiment. It encourages one to burn bright and live boldly, reminding us that this life is fleeting and fragile but full of meaning. So, let us strive to fill our lives with meaning and live bravely and boldly, for we are here "impossibly, improbably, miraculously."
Education and self-development can help us emulate Marcus Aurelius' journey to personal growth, as he leveraged his privileged status for survival and ascension. Bearing the memento mori in mind, let's focus on our immediate actions for personal development, seizing every moment to burn bright and live boldly, always mindful that this life is a trillion to one chance and should be filled with purposeful living.
