Stoic optimism of Marcus Aurelius

The article is aimed to confute the belief held about the nature of the worldview of Marcus Aurelius as pessimistic. The analysis of the “Meditations” demonstrates that the text represents a dialogue between a Stoic sage and an ordinary man, Marcus Aurelius being in the guise of both. The article proves that the guidance of the philosopher king is positive in its nature, calling one to fulfill manfully his duties aimed at the welfare of the World and Rome while manifesting love to people and showing no fear of failure, suffering or death. I conclude that a comprehensive analysis of the “Meditations” of the Roman emperor, which contains both the historical and existential background of his personality, is still necessary.