Problem
Suspend disbelief! Marcus Aurelius and Confucius are sitting in a bar in Rome during the second century CE, chatting and sipping diluted wine. What might their opinions on the present state (second century CE) of Rome and the Roman empire be? Or China during the Spring and Autumn period (6th century BCE)?
Imagine that they begin to explain their respective philosophical and practical reactions to the disorder in their worlds. What are some of the main challenges they discuss? What were their solutions? Do they agree on anything? Compose your essay in the form of a conversation between these two historical figures.