Abstract

Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations lends itself to be seen as an egoistic or self-centred exercise of self-care. I will argue against this view and show that caring for others also plays a central role in this work. In order to do so, I will first discuss what caring for someone else entails according to Marcus Aurelius. Second, I will show that this kind of care can be directed at all human beings without becoming too vague or abstract, for it implies a form of universal love that directly determines one’s relation to those closest to oneself. Third, I will argue that, despite emphasizing the self and one’s virtue, Marcus Aurelius adopts an objective and highly metaphysical standpoint that establishes the equal importance of the self and others. Finally, I will consider the possibility of separating Marcus Aurelius’ views on care from some of his main metaphysical claims.