# The Search for Moral Principle and Right Conduct in Marius the Epicurean

> Theme guide for Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [II: White-Nights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-ii-white-nights): Marius's sense of responsibility toward others and his anticipation of a great occasion for self-devotion illustrate his early moral seriousness.
- [IV: The Tree of Knowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-iv-the-tree-of-knowledge): 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.'
- [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): 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.
- [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): Aurelius's asceticism and Stoic philosophy are highlighted, emphasizing modesty, simplicity, and the sacrifice of body to soul.
- [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): 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.
- [Manly Amusement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv-manly-amusement): The chapter contrasts Marius's instinctive moral conscience with Aurelius's Stoic indifference, exploring the foundations of ethical judgment.
- [Stoicism at Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xv-stoicism-at-court): 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.
- [XVI: Second Thoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xvi-second-thoughts): Marius considers the moral economy of his choices, questioning whether his philosophy misses essential aspects of human experience and ethical living.
- [The Ceremony of the Dart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xviii-the-ceremony-of-the-dart): Marius contrasts Aurelius's stoic resignation and tolerance of evil with Cornelius's joyful recognition of evil as a real enemy, questioning the validity of Aurelius's moral optimism.
- [XIX: The Will as Vision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xix-the-will-as-vision): Explores the Platonic ideal of the true king as a servant and Aurelius's sacrificial acceptance of public duty.
- [XXV: Sunt Lacrimae Rerum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-xxv-sunt-lacrimae-rerum): Marius grapples with a sense of failed love and the reproach of historical cruelties, questioning his own moral indifference and the natural unkindness in things.
- [The Martyrs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-xxvi-the-martyrs): Marius reflects on the moral contrast between Aurelius's stoicism and Christian chivalry, and the martyrs' conduct exemplifies steadfast faith.
- [XXVII: The Triumph of Marcus Aurelius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-xxvii-the-triumph-of-marcus-aurelius): Marius seeks to appeal to Aurelius for 'common-sense, for reason and justice,' reflecting a quest for moral clarity amid imperial spectacle.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/themes/morality_and_conduct
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/themes