# How does Marius the Epicurean develop the theme of The Search for Moral Principle and Right Conduct?

> Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater

## Answer

Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater develops The Search for Moral Principle and Right Conduct across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Marius grapples with finding a basis for ethical action beyond mere custom or self-interest, ultimately considering the Stoic idea of a universal commonwealth and the Christian ideal of a 'regenerate type of humanity' as sources of moral beauty.

Marius's sense of responsibility toward others and his anticipation of a great occasion for self-devotion illustrate his early moral seriousness.

Marius grapples with the exclusive claim of his childhood religion versus the temptation of unlimited self-expansion, feeling that the easy exercise of himself among temptations is a 'rival religious service.'

The chapter explores the tension between public religious duty and personal moral philosophy, as seen in Marcus Aurelius's combination of Stoic principles with polytheistic practice.

## Evidence

- [part-i-ii-white-nights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-ii-white-nights.md): Marius's sense of responsibility toward others and his anticipation of a great occasion for self-devotion illustrate his early moral seriousness.
- [part-i-iv-the-tree-of-knowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-iv-the-tree-of-knowledge.md): Marius grapples with the exclusive claim of his childhood religion versus the temptation of unlimited self-expansion, feeling that the easy exercise of himself among temptations is a 'rival religious service.'
- [part-ii-xi-the-most-religious-city-in-the-world](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xi-the-most-religious-city-in-the-world.md): The chapter explores the tension between public religious duty and personal moral philosophy, as seen in Marcus Aurelius's combination of Stoic principles with polytheistic practice.
- [part-ii-xii-the-divinity-that-doth-hedge-a-king](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-the-divinity-that-doth-hedge-a-king.md): Aurelius's asceticism and Stoic philosophy are highlighted, emphasizing modesty, simplicity, and the sacrifice of body to soul.
- [part-ii-xiii-the-mistress-and-mother-of-palaces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii-the-mistress-and-mother-of-palaces.md): Aurelius's Stoic philosophy emphasizes tolerance, not being exigent with others, and maintaining virtue despite rumors about Faustina; he strives to see the good in people.
- [part-ii-xiv-manly-amusement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv-manly-amusement.md): The chapter contrasts Marius's instinctive moral conscience with Aurelius's Stoic indifference, exploring the foundations of ethical judgment.
- [part-iii-xv-stoicism-at-court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xv-stoicism-at-court.md): Fronto's discourse explores how to integrate duty and righteousness into a life guided by aesthetic pleasure, proposing that morality is a form of comeliness and artistic order.
- [part-iii-xvi-second-thoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xvi-second-thoughts.md): Marius considers the moral economy of his choices, questioning whether his philosophy misses essential aspects of human experience and ethical living.

## Links

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