April 26, 121 AD: Marcus Aurelius is born

Reluctant emperor of Rome, fighter and Stoic philosopher

Today we celebrate the birthday of Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD), a man who always had wanted to be a scholar, but who was made emperor against his own wishes. He became one of the best emperors of Rome, and a widely-respected philosopher who still inspires us today with his sense of humility and…