Speech Sent to the Senate
The speech is a philosophical treatise on the nature of power and governance. It argues that true leadership is not about personal ambition, but rather about serving the greater good. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility, self-awareness, and moral integrity in those who hold positions of authority. The text critiques the excesses of imperial power and advocates for a more restrained approach to governance. It also explores the relationship between the individual and society, arguing that true freedom can only be achieved through living in accordance with reason and virtue. Throughout the speech, the speaker draws on Stoic philosophy to emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature and accepting the inevitability of fate. The text concludes by emphasizing the need for leaders to prioritize the common good over personal interests and to cultivate a sense of detachment from worldly concerns.
By Marcus Aurelius · First published 1678 · Genre: Political Speech, Philosophical, Historical · 356 words
First lines
In return, then, for your congratulations on our victory, Conscript Fathers, you have as consul my son-in-law Pompeianus, whose mature years should long ago have been rewarded with a consulship had not other brave men had prior claims for recognition from the state.
Now with regard to the rebellion of Cassius, I beg and beseech you, Conscript Fathers, to lay aside all thoughts of severity and safeguard my or rather your humanity and clemency, and let no single person be put to death by the Senate.
What this Textopian page supports
Speech Sent to the Senate is listed on Textopian as a speech by Marcus Aurelius, dated 1678 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Speech
- Author: Marcus Aurelius
- Date: 1678 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Speech, Philosophical, Historical, Rhetorical
- Length: 356 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Political Speech — The text is a formal address to the Senate, focusing on political matters and governance.
- Philosophical — The speech reflects on themes of clemency, humanity, and justice, which are central to philosophical discourse.
- Historical — The content references historical events and figures, providing context to the political climate of the time.
- Rhetorical — The speech employs rhetorical devices to persuade the Senate, characteristic of rhetorical writing.
Tags
Philosophical · Meditations · Stoic · Ancient · Roman · Empire · Politics · Leadership · Wisdom · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth · Ethics