Emperor Trajan would die during a failed military campaign in Parthia, leaving Hadrian to take his place. In war after bloody war, Hadrian became disgruntled with Rome’s insatiable desire for expansion. The years which Hadrian spent in the military were among the most formative with respect to his views on foreign policy and military affairs. “Our great mistake is to try to exact from each person virtues which he does not possess, and to neglect the cultivation of those which he has.” It reminds us that life is chaotic-and whether we’re reflecting in old age, or striving to achieve in our youth-it is our job to bring order to it. While most of us are not training or campaigning to be an emperor, this lesson can still serve us well. In those reflections, we see how Hadrian began to organize himself from a young age, becoming a soldier, building up his own confidence, and proving himself as a potential emperor. The first chapter demonstrates the principle of organization by first presenting Hadrian as a reflective elderly man. Hadrian would also end up marrying Sabina, Trajan’s grandniece. In fact, it was Emperor Trajan who, after seeing Hadrian’s potential as a soldier and leader, appointed the young man as his successor. Hadrian speaks of the same occurring throughout his early years. So many great historical figures had mentors who guided them and helped them grow. He showed great interest in natural science and philosophy, both of which would serve him well later in life. With his father being a statesman, Hadrian had access to quality education at a young age. Hadrian recalls his early days living in Italica, a Roman city in the Iberian Peninsula. Hadrian regards his life as a “shapeless mass” which he wishes to put in order in the form of a letter. The first chapters of Memoirs Of Hadrian depict the emperor as an old man, reflecting on his life for the benefit of young Marcus Aurelius. “The true birthplace is that wherein for the first time one looks intelligently upon oneself.” Here are three of our key takeaways from Memoirs Of Hadrian. While the book is a work of fiction, there are still nuggets of wisdom found throughout. Yourcenar also inserts philosophical thoughts and reflections that were prevalent during Hadrian’s era of rule. The novel covers significant events in Roman history as narrated by Hadrian himself. Memoirs Of Hadrian is a sort of beautifully crafted hybrid of both fiction and nonfiction. Marguerite Yourcenar, Memoirs Of Hadrian I have supposed, and in my better moments think so still, that it would be possible in this manner to participate in the existence of everyone such sympathy would be one of the least revocable kinds of immortality.” “ From each art practiced in its time I derive a knowledge which compensates me in part for pleasures lost. Below are key takeaways, examples and our favorite quotes from Memoirs Of Hadrian. It wasn’t until twenty years later that she would finish the work and receive international acclaim. Remarkably, Marguerite Yourcenar began writing the masterpiece when she was twenty-one. The voice that’s used throughout the novel is reminiscent of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, as Hadrian reflects upon his life and reign as one of Rome’s most notable emperors. The novel is narrated by the legendary Roman Emperor Hadrian, and is formatted as a letter to Hadrian’s successor and adopted grandson, Marcus Aurelius. Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar is a work of historical fiction. As we know, some of the most profound pieces of philosophy have come from ancient Greece and Rome, and while this book might read as though it were written by a brilliant mind whose name was lost to the passing of time, one might be surprised to learn that it was written in the 20th century. What is it that attracts the modern thinker to works of philosophy? Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and others: it’s almost surprising how relevant their insight remains in the modern-day.
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