The Life Of Contemplation

Dec 8

Pick your Professor

In this class period, we’ll read and discuss examples or two philosophers advocating for contemplative virtues — the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the American naturalist Henry David Thoreau.

Read This:

Marcus Aurelius and Henry David Thoreau: Live a Life of Contemplation

Key Concepts:

  • Vita contemplativa
  • Stoicism
  • Transcendentalism

Do This:

  • Complete Map to the Good Life Task #6 by December 12.
  • Complete your dialogue feedback survey by December 13.
  • Complete the GGL Exit Survey by December 13.

Pre-Class Questions:

Your responses to the following questions are due on Canvas before class. Your top 15 scores of the semester will count toward your final grade.

  1. Based on our reading, describe one significant point of agreement between Marcus Aurelius and Henry David Thoreau in their approach to the good life. To what extent do you agree with them on this point? Explain.
  2. Based on our reading, describe one significant difference between Marcus Aurelius and Henry David Thoreau in their approach to the good life. Which of the them do you agree with more? Explain.