The virtues

Recently, while I was wasting time randomly flicking through Youtube channels, I came across a series of lectures on philosophy from the virtual university, the focus was on stoicism and Marcus Aurelius in particular, although other philosophers were also mentioned.
I had on previous occasion encountered the name before, it was however always peripheral...a quote here a mention there, shadowy fragments that did not really arrest my attention. It wasn't until I watched the lectures, that I realised what a giant he was.
Here was a man who was emperor of the greatest wealthiest empire in ancient times and as a result of his position, he held in reality dominion over the lives of millions, owned everything and wielded absolute unfettered power...imagine if you will... a man for whom every whim can be satisfied, for whom society's laws and rules did not apply, who could have and do anything he pretty damn well pleased, and yet he was virtuous, he was kind, temperate, patient and just......
The philosophy that Marcus Aurelius subscribed to was stoicism. Stoicism provides a way of life that emphasises self control, strength of character, fortitude and moral responsibility. For Stoics virtue is enough, all else is subservient...Another interesting element of Stoicism is that its concern is with one self, controlling your actions and thoughts so as to lead a virtuous life.

The principles of philosopher brings to mind a poem I read as a child:

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.

I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.

When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

Stoicism focus on changing oneself so as to be the best that one can be...realising the potential within... not so much for the grander purposes of changing the world but instead because to do less would be to lead a wasted, not fully human life.

A link to a man who is much more eloquent and knows the subject much better than I is attached below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLD09Qa3kMk