But we do think that the public response to his self-control shows how poorly Stoic qualities can go over in our times: a philosophy built on emotional control seems strange in the age of over-sharing.

FORBES: Five Reasons Why Stoicism Matters Today

While much of his time as Emperor was spent in battle, Marcus made a major impact on the study of philosophy by establishing four Chairs of Philosophy in Athens, one for each of the principal philosophical traditions (Platonic, Aristotelian, Stoic, and Epicurean).

FORBES: For Clearer Thinking, Give Your Brain a Daily Dose of Marcus Aurelius