Stoic Concept
The Philosopher King
Plato's ideal ruler, embodied by Marcus Aurelius.
Originally Plato's ideal, the Philosopher King is a ruler whose wisdom, reason, and commitment to justice make them fit to govern. Marcus Aurelius is considered the historical embodiment of this ideal. He did not seek power for its own sake but accepted it as his duty, striving to rule virtuously and apply his philosophical principles to the immense pressures of the Roman Empire.