"Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig." Wise statements like this can be found in the "Meditations" of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 C.E.). He had never intended these reflections for publication, having written them purely for himself, but they have become some of the most widely read writings after the Bible and the Quran. A bestseller, so to speak, which has been translated into numerous languages worldwide. Known today as a philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius ruled at a time marked by crises and catastrophes. He ascended to the throne in 161 C.E., just a few years before the Marcomannic Wars (166-180 C.E.) — the Marcomanni were Germanic tribes — which would shake the Roman Empire to its foundations. In addition, he faced economic problems, social tensions and the spread of the Antonine Plague, a form of smallpox, throughout his territory. 'You have power over your mind, not outside events' Equanimity — that was one …
Wasn't he a persecutor of the early Church? He's famous for being a stoic - a philosophy that emphasized 'human virtue' and a kind of fatalism that focuses on what one can control in one's life and just accepts things as they are in the external world. This is very tempting in our chaotic society - but ultimately is materialist in it's view of happiness. There's no real supernatural outlook as found in Christian revelation.
As to the specific events, twists and turns of history I venture not to comment.. I was not there for one thing..; as to whether this dude ended up in the better place, I can and do comment, because I have extensive personal revelation on the matter.. It is not always, perhaps, who we might expect who end up making it to Paradise or purgatory. And vice versa. This is a frequent occurrence for me, encountering the souls that pass on to the next world. I have recently posted a rash of stuff on exposing the pead0s in part because I encountered Virginia Giuffre in spiritual realm ( - she is saved, obviously. At peace.) and felt I and we all need to do something about this. The revelations have been coming thick and fast because I proclaimed myself willing. Nevertheless, I understand and accept if not everyone will understand, or at least not right away. It kind of goes with the territory, I think. If I had to venture as to why he might have 'made it', I would say this probably has SOMETHING to do with it: "Marcus Aurelius also apparently spent a lot of time pondering the meaning of life, which is presumably the reason so many young people nowadays are interested in him and his writings. In Reuter's estimation, "his 'Meditations' are a little treasure trove containing something to address nearly every situation in life. Reuter pointed out that Marcus Aurelius' writings don't lend themselves to being read from front to back, but are well-suited to dipping into to find inspiration. They are, after all, the private musings of someone who spent time thinking about what was truly important in life. So it's small wonder that quotes by the Roman emperor can be found all over social media."
I understand MA allowed persecution of Christians under his watch, but it is not me who judges his conscience in the final analysis. It is where you end up ultimately that matters most.