Romans did not like philosophy

This post is also available in: Polish (polski)

Marcus Aurelius

The Roman Empire gave birth to some truly outstanding philosophers such as Seneca the Younger or Marcus Aurelius. That does not mean, however, that the Romans, like the Greeks, considered meditation an important aspect of life. First, according to the Romans, philosophy was a Greek invention, and as they were conquered by the “sons of She-wolf”, it was not worthy for the Roman to deal with the matter invented by the Greek.

Secondly, the philosophy focused on perfecting the soul and interior of the human being, which according to the Romans led to forgetting about physical development, which was important for the need to protect the fatherland. Galen, a Roman physician of Greek descent from the second century CE claimed, for example, that according to the Romans, practicing philosophy was just as important as drilling holes in millet seeds.

Sources
  • M. Trapp, Philosophy in the Roman Empire: Ethics, Politics and Society, 2007
Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!
Subscribe to newsletter

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!