Marcus Aurelius

Hello. My name is Marcus Aurelius. I was born a very long time ago in a big, busy city called Rome, on April 26th, in the year 121. When I was a boy, my biggest dream wasn't to be a powerful emperor. I just wanted to have a huge library. I loved to read books, learn new things, and think about big questions, like how to be a good and kind person.

When I was a teenager, my life took a surprising turn. The Emperor at the time was a kind man named Antoninus Pius. He adopted me and told me that one day, I would help lead Rome. I studied very hard to be ready for such a big job. When the time came in the year 161, I became the emperor. I did not want to rule all by myself, so I asked my adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, to be emperor with me. It was the very first time Rome had two emperors working together.

Being an emperor was a very big job. I worked hard to make sure the laws were fair for everyone, from the richest people to the poorest. I wanted to help people who were in trouble, so I helped open new schools for children and orphanages for those who needed a home. Sometimes, I had to lead my soldiers into battle to protect our home from enemies. That wasn't my favorite part of the job, because I always preferred peace. But I knew it was my duty to keep all of my people safe.

Even when I was very busy, I always made time to think. Every night, I would write in a special journal. I didn't write about what happened during my day. Instead, I wrote down my thoughts about how to be a better person. I wrote about being brave when you feel scared, being kind when others are not, and staying calm when things get tricky. This special way of thinking is called Stoicism. I never showed my notebook to anyone. It was a secret, just for me.

I ruled Rome until the year 180. I lived to be 58 years old. After I was gone, people found my secret notebook. They decided to give it a name, 'Meditations.' Even though I wrote it just for myself almost two thousand years ago, people all over the world still read my book today. I am remembered as one of Rome's 'Good Emperors' and as a leader who always tried his best to be wise and kind.