Ibssa9 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Aurelius was equally ruthless then Machiavelli. You're comparing red to blue when comparing the two. Aurelius believed in a totally different set of principles then did Machiavelli. Meditations is a guide to Marcus's thoughts, not to his leadership ability. He knew that nothing he did was of value anyways in the great realm of time.

Weedlab11 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This is some good stuff.Grazie mille!

Satakunta (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Thanks for this. Really great stuff!

mrzinn24 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

good

mennea (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

oh, dont get me wrong, i love MA. i was pointing to the modern detractors whichdo not take into account the historical context. i read his mediations and i find them a great, though not absolute, lesson for life...sometimes you have to be a little machiavellian to survive...and not always a saint...

istalin (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

So did everyone else. Compare his greatness in context.

qtronman (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Very engaging stuff.

mennea (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

good lecture. detractores said that marcus also persecuted christians, he allowed gladiator fights and slavery to exist...

bjwlsy (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Thank you very much for posting this.