How to Think Like a Roman Emperor- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald J. Robertson

4.2 (6)
$18.00

Product Details

Web ID: 15419739

"This is a wonderful and important book that anyone interested in Stoicism or in being a better leader should read. " —Ryan Holiday 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, cognitive psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius together seamlessly to provide a compelling modern-day guide to the Stoic wisdom followed by countless individuals throughout the centuries as a path to achieving greater fulfillment and emotional resilience. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor takes readers 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 readers 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.

  • Product Features

    • Suggested age range- Adult
    • Format- Paperback
    • Product dimensions- 5.3" W x 8.2" H x 0.9" D
    • Genre- Philosophy
    • Publisher- St. Martin's Publishing Group, Publication date- 08-04-2020
    • Page count- 304
    • ISBN- 9781250621436
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2/5

6 star ratings & reviews

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2 years ago
from DC Metro

Ten top ideas in the book

1. The concept of Stoicism and its role in shaping the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. 2. The importance of self-discipline and self-control in achieving a virtuous life. 3. The idea of accepting and learning from adversity, rather than resisting or trying to avoid it. 4. The concept of "serenity" or "tranquility" as a state of mind free from negative emotions. 5. The idea of mindfulness and being present in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. 6. The importance of reason and logic in understanding and interpreting the world around us. 7. The idea of "virtue ethics" and how it applies to both personal and public life. 8. The concept of "the Stoic sage" and how it relates to living a virtuous life. 9. The idea of "the Stoic paradox" and how it can be applied to personal growth and self-improvement. 10. The idea of using Stoic philosophy as a guide for personal development and self-transcendence.

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

3 years ago
from Research Triangle, NC

Informative intersection of philosophy and CBT.

In this book, Robertson provides an interesting view of the intersectionality between cognitive behavioral therapy and the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Each chapter has an “objective,” each beginning with the historical context of Marcus’s life (and life events) that led him to philosophize on the chapter’s given topics. Topics discussed include: speech, values, desire, pain, fear, anger, and death. In each chapter, after the historical events of Marcus’s life (that relate to the chapter topic) are discussed, the author then describes Marcus’s philosophy on each of the topics and how modern-day practices of CBT are similar and can be useful to the reader. I would recommend this read to anybody interested in Stoic philosophy or cognitive behavioral therapy. The author’s writing is very easy to understand and I would suspect that anybody could enjoy this book regardless of the amount of previous knowledge they have in the subject.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

3 years ago
from Denver, CO

One of those books that has the power to change

I love this book and have recommended it to lots of friends/family. I don’t usually write reviews but I saw the 1 star and completely disagree with that analysis so I felt compelled to add my opinion. Do yourself and everyone around you a favor and read this book!

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

4 years ago
from Denver, CO

Fantastic book about Stoicism

I'm not sure how someone could write a 1-star review for this book. Seems like that guy had a personal grudge against this author or the CBT. This book was fantastic. It's the book that got me into Stoicism. 6-7 months later in my studying, I still think it's an excellent book.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

4 years ago
from kansas city

The cover pretty much sums it up

As you can see from the cover, Marcus Aurelus has some earbuds in which perfectly sums The idea of this book. A modern introduction and application of Pyscho-Analysis through Stoicism for the individual. This book provides the tools, anecdote's and ideas useful to the many stressed and struggling people in modern society. I love the ties to cognitive distancing, Assenting to impressions and all in between.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

4 years ago
from Berlin

A tired rebrew of CBT hoisted upon Marcus Aurelius

Robertson has published extensively on CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) techniques with a verneer of Stoicism on it. As a practicing psychotherapist, that is very understandable. Sadly, Robertson tweaks and twists Stoicism to fit his CBT agenda, doing great dis-service to Stoicism. In "Think like a roman emperor" the same principle is at work again. THe book is about force-fitting CBT techniques, such as tolerating pain or conquering anger, into the life of Marcus Aurelius. Since we only know very little about Marcus' actual biography, Robertson takes vast literary license to add his self-serving take on Marcus'life and flesh events out in a way that support his CBT agenda. This book was not written by studying Marcus' life and discovering CBT in it, this book was written with a list of CBT techniques and desperately remapping them into a life of Marcus that never existed as such. This is nice if all you want is CBT. If on the other hand you are interested in Stoicism, you will find Marcus' care for others, his cosmopolitanism, or his piety to name just a few subjects, sorely lacking. Not by chance but by design.

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com