How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius

By: Donald J. Robertson

Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

The life-changing principles of Stoicism taught through the story of its most famous proponent.

Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives to this day as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with everyday problems, from irrational fears and bad habits to anger, pain, and illness.

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor takes listeners on a transformative journey along with Marcus, following his progress from a young noble at the court of Hadrian - taken under the wing of some of the finest philosophers of his day - through to his reign as emperor of Rome at the height of its power. Robertson shows how Marcus used philosophical doctrines and therapeutic practices to build emotional resilience and endure tremendous adversity, and guides listeners through applying the same methods to their own lives.

Combining remarkable stories from Marcus’s life with insights from modern psychology and the enduring wisdom of his philosophy, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor puts a human face on Stoicism and offers a timeless and essential guide to handling the ethical and psychological challenges we face today.

©2019 Donald Robertson (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"This book is a wonderful introduction to one of history's greatest figures: Marcus Aurelius. His life and this book are a clear guide for those facing adversity, seeking tranquility and pursuing excellence." (Ryan Holiday, best-selling author of The Obstacle Is the Way and The Daily Stoic)

life changing

if you're struggling with addiction, behavioral control, or just want to be a better person and improve yourself, this is the book for you! amazing narration and an amazing combination of history and philosophy

Very good!

First book on Stoic Philosophy, and it was great! Inspired me to buy 2 more, including Meditations. Go for this one if you are thinking about it!

very good introduction and application of stoicism

does a very good job of expressing the real practical value of stoicism. the examples using Marcus Aurelius life show how drastically different our influence in the world can be when we strive to live rightly.

Fantastic

This is a great book, it helped me to become a better stoic!!!!!! it cover the most important aspects of an stoic.

It could not possibly be better

Thanks to the reviewers who reviewed this book...now I'll add my voice to the chorus. I absolutely loved this book and the guided meditation at the end was remarkable. Not to overstate it, but I feel changed in the most positive way. I feel much more equipped to handle everything! Oddly enough, years ago, I read nearly everything Albert Ellis wrote (Ellis= one of the authors influences) but this book helps me far more. (Perhaps because it delves more deeply into where Ellis' ideas originated). I'm having trouble coming up with an adequate superlative to add...perhaps it is ...."spellbinding"...Can't recommend enough.

great content. worst audio I have ever heard

this book had such great content that I gave it a 5 despite the truly awful audio. it's volume changes, the voice seems to change, it's just extremely poorly done. I've heard some bad recording on here. This is the worst I have encountered.

the author really needs to hire a professional.

the content is just so good that I still give it a 5. this is a great look into history as well as philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Great book worth the Read

Loved it it was a great view on stoicism definitely worth the read Ready for the next book

Very helpful

This book has helped me, personally. Its a great dive into Stoic philosophy and addresses many misconceptions and explains how Stoic practices work with therapy. I have recommended this book and will continue to do so

Excellent!

I purchased the Audiobook version as I travel a lot and enjoy listening while driving. But the hardback is in my Amazon queue as I write this. Robertson's book is excellent!

First, as a student of the Stoic's writings (Meditations, etc.) I really enjoyed the early parts of the book in which Robertson lays out the history of Stoicism and how it evolved from one philosopher to another; this gave life to how the philosophy developed as it passed from Zeno to Aurelius. These chapters also served as a brief social history of Greek and Roman culture of the times. This background brings Marcus Aurelius to life in a way I've not yet seen.

As Robertson dives deeper into Stoicism and it's place, or relationship, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) he illustrates the value of Stoicism as a framework to meet, overcome, or let pass many of life's challenges. Don't let the reference to CBT paint a picture of an academic text on psychology; that is not the case at all. And while some may describe the book as "self help," that is an injustice; the book is highly readable by anyone interested in philosophy in general, how the ancients understood human nature centuries before the advent of modern clinical psychology, or looking for techniques or frameworks to survive and thrive in our complex world.

Specific to the audiobook, Robertson has a great voice, and I enjoyed learning his pronunciation of several names and Greek terms. The sound of Robertson's voice does change along the way, most likely due to recording the book at different times or maybe even locations. But I got used to this along the way. The closing chapters are creative (read or listen to the book; no spoiler here) and the final chapter offers insight into how the study of the Stoics influenced Robertson's own life. As a writer of non-fiction I enjoy getting to know authors through their work.

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius is highly readable, entertaining, educating, and enlightening. It offers something for everyone.

Worth your time

I have been interested in learning about Stoic philosophy and its application to everyday life and this is a worthy book to have on that journey. Thank you.