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Live from the Birthplace of Stoicism (PT. 2) | Ryan Holiday and Donald Robertson (in Greece)

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Jul 26, 2025

Guest

Donald Robertson

Ryan Holiday chats with Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and expert in the interplay between ancient philosophy and modern therapy. They explore Athens' rich Stoic history, emphasizing key sites tied to Socrates and Marcus Aurelius. The duo shares thoughts on the humor found in Athenian wildlife, like feral tortoises, while contemplating how ancient wisdom informs modern psychological practices. Their conversation weaves through historical narratives, literary exploration, and the importance of integrating Stoic principles into everyday life.

43:35

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ANECDOTE

Concert at Ancient Theater

Ryan Holiday describes watching a concert at the ancient Herodes Atticus Theater under the Acropolis.
The venue has hosted events for over 2,000 years, linking present experiences to Stoic history.

insights

INSIGHT

Stoicism as CBT Gateway

Many people encounter cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mainly through Stoicism.
Stoicism serves as an accessible entry point to therapy for those uninterested in conventional self-help.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

James Stockdale and Stoic Tradition

Ryan Holiday discusses admiring James Stockdale's Stoic influences including his vintage copy of Epictetus.
Stockdale represents a 20th-century continuation of the military Stoicism tradition.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Timeless Echoes: Music and Legacy at the Acropolis

02:09 • 2min

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Philosophy over Lunch: A Culinary Invitation

04:37 • 4min

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Historical Perspectives and Stoicism

08:26 • 5min

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Exploring Athenian Wildlife and Performance Supplements

13:31 • 4min

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Exploring the Roots of Stoicism in Athens

17:32 • 12min

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Balancing Literary Exploration and Professional Demands

29:41 • 2min

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Bridging Ancient Philosophy with Modern Therapy

• Mentioned in 20 episodes

How to Think Like Socrates

Donald Robertson

In 'How to Think Like Socrates', Donald J. Robertson masterfully recreates the setting and powerful ideas of ancient Athens, introducing modern readers to the birth of philosophy through the figure of Socrates. The book combines philosophy, history, and psychotherapy, highlighting the practicality of Socratic self-examination and rational reflection for a fulfilling life. It explores Socratic dialogues and their connection to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emphasizing the importance of questioning assumptions to alleviate distress and foster emotional well-being. The book is praised for its engaging narrative and innovative approach, making it highly accessible and recommended for those interested in philosophy and self-improvement.

#32

• Mentioned in 199 episodes

Discipline is Destiny

The Power of Self-Control

Ryan Holiday

In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness.

#1110

• Mentioned in 21 episodes

Wisdom Takes Work

Ryan Holiday

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• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Augustus

First Emperor of Rome

Adrian Goldsworthy

This biography by Adrian Goldsworthy recounts the life of Augustus, from his early involvement in Rome's violent politics to his eventual rise as the first emperor. Goldsworthy uses deep knowledge of ancient sources to detail Augustus's skillful maneuvering through civil wars, his outwitting of rivals like Antony and Brutus, and his reinvention as a benevolent leader. The book explores Augustus's administrative reforms, building projects, and efforts to secure the empire's borders, as well as his personal struggles and public image. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced view of Augustus's life, highlighting his political acumen and the complexities of historical interpretation.

#442

• Mentioned in 41 episodes

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.

#1653

• Mentioned in 16 episodes

• Mentioned in 19 episodes

The Silent Patient

Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband, Gabriel, and then remains silent. Theo Faber, a forensic psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia's silence. As Theo delves into Alicia's past through her diary entries and his own interactions with her, he uncovers a complex web of secrets and motivations that lead to a shocking twist. The novel explores themes of mental illness, trauma, and the quest for truth, with a narrative that alternates between Theo's perspective and Alicia's diary entries.

• Mentioned in 776 episodes

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

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.

In today’s Part 2 episode, Ryan visits the birthplace of Stoicism in Athens and sits down for lunch with writer and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist Donald Robertson. They explore the rich history of Stoicism in Greece, share their must-see ancient philosophy spots, and catch up on what they’ve been reading and writing.

Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.

📚 Grab copies of Donald’s books, How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World, Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor and How To Think Like A Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius from The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/

🎥 Watch Donald Robertson’s episode on The Daily Stoic Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axnl-E1zc5U&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD

Substack

X: @donjrobertson

IG: @donaldjrobertson

📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work

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