Elegant, Simple, Pulls No Punches
Marcus has no interest in being like his tutor, Fronto, who was a master rhetorician. Although Marcus is Emperor of Rome, he has a horror of becoming "Caesarified," which is the technical term for getting too big for your britches. He keeps his writing straightforward and as unadorned as possible. This is especially appropriate because he's often urging himself to do something:
So keep yourself simple, good, unpretentious, a friend of justice, god-fearing, kind, full of affection, strong for your proper work. Strive hard to remain the same man that philosophy wished to make you. (6.30)
However, Marcus is an educated man who knows perfectly well how to wield a metaphor or use rhetorical statements to his advantage. Still, he manages to do so without getting too carried away with his writing:
Mortal man, you have lived as a citizen in this great city. What matter if that life is five or fifty years? The laws of the city apply equally to all. So what is there to fear in your dismissal from the city? (12.36)