Donald Robertson, a psychotherapist and author, explores the timeless relevance of Stoicism, especially the teachings of Marcus Aurelius. He discusses how Stoicism connects with cognitive behavioral therapy and why it appeals to today's youth. The conversation touches on confronting anger, the importance of moral clarity, and how the pandemic has prompted a reevaluation of personal values. Robertson also highlights the often-overlooked humor in Stoic philosophy, providing a refreshing perspective on age-old wisdom.
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insights INSIGHT
Stoicism's Rise
Stoicism's popularity has grown due to social media and news overwhelming people with alarming information.
Individuals seek a secular, reason-based philosophy like a "Western yoga" to cope with this.
insights INSIGHT
Modern Anomie
The decline of traditional religion and the rise of science have created normlessness and a lack of consistent values.
This can lead to rigid, dogmatic behavior and increased prejudice, fueled by anger.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Marcus Aurelius and Anger
Marcus Aurelius struggled with anger but publicly appeared calm and controlled.
He once rescinded a beheading order, demonstrating a Stoic principle of reflection.
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Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Donald Robertson
In this book, Donald J. Robertson combines the life of Marcus Aurelius with insights from modern psychology and the enduring wisdom of Stoic philosophy. The book follows Marcus Aurelius' journey from a young noble to his reign as emperor of Rome, highlighting how he used philosophical doctrines and therapeutic practices to build emotional resilience and endure adversity. Robertson guides readers on how to apply these same methods to their own lives, making Stoicism accessible and relevant in a modern context.
The Immortality Key
The Secret History of the Religion with No Name
Brian C. Muraresku
In 'The Immortality Key', Brian Muraresku reconstructs the suppressed history of psychedelics in ancient Greek and early Christian rituals. Through a 12-year investigation, Muraresku connects the lost psychedelic sacrament of Greek religion to early Christianity, exposing the true origins of Western Civilization. He accesses hidden archives of the Louvre and the Vatican, and collaborates with archaeochemists to unveil the first scientific evidence of psychedelic drug use in classical antiquity. The book challenges traditional views of Christianity and Western history, suggesting that psychedelics were integral to the development of these cultures[1][2][4].
The Happiness Hypothesis
Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
Jonathan Haidt
In 'The Happiness Hypothesis,' Jonathan Haidt delves into the nature of happiness, fulfillment, and meaning. He discusses the division of the self into two parts: the primitive limbic system and the rational neocortex, using the metaphor of a rider and an elephant to explain the relationship between conscious and unconscious processes. Haidt examines 'Great Ideas' from ancient thinkers like Plato, Buddha, and Jesus, and evaluates them in light of contemporary psychological research. He argues that happiness is influenced by both internal and external factors, including biological set points, life conditions, and voluntary activities. The book also explores the importance of social relationships, the role of adversity in personal growth, and the concept of 'vital engagement' in work and life[2][3][5].
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness
Donald Robertson
Donald Robertson is a Psychotherapist and an author.
People are getting tattoos of Marcus Aurelius, copies of his Meditations sold out at the beginning of the pandemic and yet he was just some bloke two thousand years ago. What made him so special and what is there to learn from his life?
Expect to learn how stoicism and cognitive behavioural therapy are intrinsically linked, why an existential crisis can be useful, how Marcus Aurelius dealt with his anger, why Donald thinks we lost the wisdom of ancient Greece and much more...
Modern Wisdom 
