Livy's The Early History Of Rome

Another Ancient that makes the case that the regime or polis makes collective meaning, order, and justice possible is Livy. In his book, The Early History of Rome, Livy uses the history of Brutus to show the relationship between individuals in a polis and politics. Brutus’ political views tied directly with how he wanted Rome and its citizens to act and behave. He wanted to empower his citizens and give them strength during conflict or struggle. Brutus believed that if the people who occupy Rome are strong and powerful, Rome will also be. This is direct correlation to Aristotle in the fact that the polis and individuals who make it up are almost synonymous. This relationship is important in the fact that the model citizen in a regime and polis
Aurelius is a stoic that believes that individuals of a polis should live according to nature, and that nature is moral and rational. Though stoics believe that there are no social bonds on society, they do believe that other norms of the polis orient individuals behavior towards nature. Marcus Aurelius, an advocate for stoicism, believed that man should fulfill his duty in life and live according to nature. He believes that actions should follow the right of reason. The right of reason, according to Aurelius, refers to the idea that “following God in an orderly fashion, never uttering a word that is contrary to the truth nor performing an action that is contrary to justice” (Aurelius, 22). This quote shows the importance of justice in politics and society in Ancient Rome. The interpretation of justice is the same regardless of philosophy and ideology. Justice relies on the individual to make the correct choice in any given situation. Alongside justice, Aurelius believes that order is made up by people who are “following right reason and with dedication, steadfastness, and good humous… and if your present action is in accordance with nature, and if all that you say and utter accords with the truthfulness of an earlier and purer age, you will live a happy place” (Aurelius, 23). Though Aurelius believes that there are no social connections amongst people in the polis, an inherent collective meaning can be distinguished if everyone follows the same beliefs of natural, rational law. Aurelius believes that the best community is a community where everyone fulfills their own function, thus creating a society where individuals positively impact the