Marcus Aurelius remains one of the most singular figures in human history. He was the "Philosopher King" that Plato had once envisioned—a man who possessed absolute power over the known world but used it only for the service of his fellow man. Reigning from 161 to 180 CE, Marcus did not live a life of leisure. His rule was defined by the Antonine Plague, constant barbarian invasions on the Danube, and the betrayal of trusted generals. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, he maintained a profound inner peace.

​The Speaker: Professor J. Rufus Fears

​Professor J. Rufus Fears was a legendary historian and Classicist at the University of Oklahoma. His teaching philosophy was simple yet profound: history is not just a list of dates, but a guide on how to live a virtuous life. In his lectures on Marcus Aurelius, Fears emphasized ...