Caesar

Zeus

Caesar is often compared to Zeus, reflecting a psychological need to legitimize imperial power through divine association.

Hercules

Caesar identifies with Hercules to project strength and heroic destiny, a psychological self-mythologizing.

Epaphroditus

Epaphroditus serves as a freedman and advisor to Caesar, a relationship of political dependence and service.

Book I

Mentioned in the context of a man becoming wise when Caesar appoints him to a position, illustrating misplaced value on externals.

How a Man Should Proceed from the Principle of God Being the Father of All Men to the Rest

Used as an analogy: if adopted by Caesar one would be arrogant, yet knowing one is a son of Zeus should produce even greater elevation.

Against Those Who Eagerly Seek Preferment at Rome

The Roman emperor whose letters summon the older man back to political life, symbolizing the pull of worldly power.

That the Deity Oversees All Things

Used as an analogy for the oath of loyalty that soldiers swear, compared to the oath one should swear to God.

XIX: How We Should Behave to Tyrants

Implied as the tyrant figure whose favor elevates individuals like Felicion, illustrating the folly of valuing externals.

On Constancy (Or Firmness)

Mentioned as a symbol of worldly power whose threats (like imprisonment or death) are only over externals, not over the philosopher's will.

To Naso

Mentioned as someone the Roman visitor knows, indicating his social standing.

XIX: Against Those Who Embrace Philosophical Opinions Only in Words

Mentioned as the authority before whom one might tremble, illustrating the gap between philosophical talk and real fear.

Against a Person Who Showed His Partisanship in an Unseemly Way in a Theatre

Referenced as the authority whose deputy the governor is, and as one who is abused but does not punish all abusers.

To the Administrator of the Free Cities Who Was an Epicurean

Referenced as the authority who appoints judges via codicil, highlighting the superficial basis of political power.

VIII: How We Must Exercise Ourselves Against Appearances (Φαντασίας)

Mentioned as an example of an external authority whose actions (condemning a person) are beyond the power of the will and therefore not an evil.

What Solitude Is, and What Kind of Person a Solitary Man Is

Mentioned as a provider of external peace (e.g., safe travel) but unable to grant inner security from passions.

Book IV: On Freedom and Familiar Intimacy

Mentioned as a powerful master whose favor is sought by the supposedly free, highlighting the illusion of political freedom.

About Freedom

Mentioned as a powerful master whose nod and motion people obey, illustrating slavery to external authority.

To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity

Used as an example of an external power that can impede one's tranquility if one values it.

VI: Against Those Who Lament Over Being Pitied

Referenced in the context of those who seek to flatter and gain favor in the house of Caesar.

On Freedom from Fear

Symbol of temporal power whose favors (provinces, offices) are compared to dried figs and nuts.

XIII: Against or to Those Who Readily Tell Their Own Affairs

Mentioned in the analogy of a soldier who speaks ill of Caesar to entrap others.