How well was Marcus Aurelius's intelligence?

Answer 1

Most of his reign was spent directing the defense of the Empire from German invaders, but Marcus Aurelius was also a deep thinker and follower of the Stoic philosophy, and he wrote a book called Meditations which is still read today. When asked what book other than The Bible was most influential to his life, President Clinton named the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. [Somewhat ironic as Stoicism does not espouse self-indulgence.] Also, he was the last of the "Five Good Emperors." Upon his death in 180, the Roman Empire sank into gradual decline. It is speculated that if he had continued the practice of naming an adopted son as his successor, instead of his natural son Commodus, the Pax Romana might have lasted much longer than it did.