Marcus Aurelius and Dubya...Separated at Birth?

Marcus Aurelius has often been trotted out as an example of Plato's philosopher king come to life. He actually periodically forgot the whole "emperor of the known world" thing because he became so absorbed in his studies. Now I have to tell you that when I read Marcus I am often amazed by how much he sounds like George W Bush. For example Aurelius writes:

"Concentrate every minute like a Roman...on doing what is in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from distractions...do everything as if it were the last thing you were doing in your life..."

Clearly a man who has spent some time working shit out, don't you think? His "Meditations" is a beautiful and poetic ride through the spectacularly clear logic of this magnificent mind. Which is a perfect segue to W.

I was sitting at home one day several years ago when our President had come to Denver. The press caught him in a casual moment eating at a restaurant in Estes Park. Violence between the Palestinians and Israelis had just flared very seriously and the press asked him what he thought. He tuned to the camera and without too much strain said

" Uh...Violence is...uh...bad...uh...for uh...everyone."

I can't lie I was blown away. Right then and there I had to get out my zafu and contemplate. In fact even now I need a moment ...


Ok I'm good. I mean whoa. "Violence is bad" That statement struck me like the celestial pebble in the universal pond. It is still rippling outward today, years later. The profound simplicity that comprises the depths of this man's intelligence is like a zen garden without the rake.

I feel blessed to live in a time when an astonishing sojourner after truth and justice has taken the reigns of the state. Clearly were these two men to meet they would recognize in each other kindred spirits to a cosmic degree. I have even heard that W. is quoted as saying he is a staunch admirer of Marcus Aurelius...

What was that?

Oh he said "Marcus Allen"

Nevermind.