Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus is recognized as one of the greatest emperors in Roman history; also being a part among the "Five Good Emperors." Marcus ruled the empire from 161 to 180 AD. (Parks) As a highly intelligent man, he stands out as one of the greatest intellectual rulers in Western Civilization. Marcus was impressed with a firm desire for peace that manifested itself in his philosophical writings, but he was also a great military leader. In Rome …

…be in thy power; or if it be not, remember that for this use, to bear with them patiently, was mildness and goodness granted unto thee. The Gods themselves are good unto such; yea and in some things, (as in matter of health, of wealth, of honour,) are content often to further their endeavours: so good and gracious are they. And mightest thou not be so too? or, tell me, what doth hinder thee?” (Meditations 11)