Marcus Aurelius

The Stoic Emperor

By: Donald J. Robertson

Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson

Experience the world of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the tremendous challenges he faced and overcame with the help of Stoic philosophy

This novel biography brings Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) to life for a new generation by exploring the emperor’s fascinating psychological journey. Donald J. Robertson examines Marcus’s relationships with key figures in his life, such as his mother, Domitia Lucilla, and the emperor Hadrian, as well as his Stoic tutors. He draws extensively on Marcus’s own Meditations and correspondence, and he examines the emperor’s actions as detailed in the Augustan History and other ancient texts.

Marcus Aurelius struggled to reconcile his philosophy and moral values with the political pressures he faced as emperor at the height of Roman power. Robertson examines Marcus’s attitude toward slavery and the moral dilemma posed by capturing enemies in warfare; his attitude toward women; the role of Stoicism in shaping his response to the threat of civil war; the treatment of Christians under his rule; and the naming of his notorious son Commodus as his successor.

Throughout, the Meditations is used to shed light on the mind of the emperor—his character, values, and motives—as Robertson skillfully weaves together Marcus’s inner journey as a philosopher with the outer events of his life as a Roman emperor.

©2024 Donald J. Robertson (P)2024 Yale University Press

A gem for historians and life coaches

Well summarized and interestingly compiled history of the emperor who ruled like solomon thought like Socrates and died a legend.

Wonderful Biography

This audiobook was easy to understand, well paced, and made my learning experience very pleasant. I heavily recommend this to anyone interested in history.

insightful

A must read for those who want to understand the backstory as "The Meditations" was being written

Definitely Worth the Credit

I really enjoyed the book! Super informative with a mix of Stoic and historical events. I was sad that it ended.
Thank you!

Illuminating biography

This is an excellent biography of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, providing a solid account of his life and the near constant calamities he faced during his reign.

Even more so, it provides great insight on how he applied his Stoic philosophy to the way he faced and overcame those challenges. It’s an excellent introduction to Stoicism, without setting out to be such.

For me, this book helped dispel some widespread myths about Stoicism. Does Stoicism seek emotionless indifference?Marcus Aurelius was known to have wept publicly in the face of tragedy. He was warm and affectionate.

My biggest “aha” moment came when I learned that Stoic “apatheia” did not mean “apathy,” or indifference, but instead freedom from overwhelming, destructive emotions. Apatheia is not emotional indifference, it is emotional mastery.