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#417 - Philosophy for Life

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May 28, 2025

Guest

Donald Robertson

In this discussion, Sam Harris talks with Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and Stoicism expert. They explore the relationship between Stoicism and modern psychotherapy, highlighting how ancient wisdom can help manage negative emotions. Donald shares insights on Marcus Aurelius and the complexities of familial relationships, emphasizing the psychological pitfalls of social media. They also touch on reflective thinking and practical techniques for navigating personal challenges in today's world, blending ancient philosophy with contemporary life.

01:02:57

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INSIGHT

Stoic Virtue Is Real Good

Stoicism teaches that virtue is the only true good, making wealth and reputation indifferent.
This ethic fosters emotional resilience by lessening attachment to external things.

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ADVICE

Practice Stoic Mindfulness Daily

Practice prosoche: continual mindful attention to your thoughts and judgments.
Routinely observe your mind’s use and ask how your judgments affect your emotions.

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ADVICE

Use Socratic Questioning & Rehearsal

Use Socratic questioning to identify and challenge irrational beliefs causing emotional upset.
Reframe experiences by contemplating death and possible misfortunes to prepare and respond philosophically.

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

The Stoic Journey from Scotland to Self-Discovery

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Navigating Misrepresentation: Philosophical Insights on Personal Reactions

16:28 • 3min

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Exploring Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius

19:08 • 18min

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The Mystical Legacy of the Eleusinian Mysteries

37:29 • 3min

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Ancient Wisdom and Modern Insights

40:55 • 16min

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Navigating Stoicism and Social Media

56:33 • 6min

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#1076

• 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.

#431

• Mentioned in 40 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.

#1093

• Mentioned in 20 episodes

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of 12 books written by Marcus Aurelius as private notes to himself. The work is a reflection of Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of living in the present, controlling one's judgments, and maintaining ethical principles. Aurelius advocates for focusing on what can be controlled, avoiding distractions, and cultivating a rational and clear-minded nature. The book is divided into 12 books, each chronicling different periods of his life, and was likely written during his military campaigns along the Danube River.

#105

• Mentioned in 104 episodes

The Enchiridion

Epictetus

Tony Darnell

Thomas Wentworth Higginson

The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living.

#1867

• Mentioned in 13 episodes

On Anger

Seneca

Aubrey Stewart

In 'On Anger,' Seneca the Younger provides a thoughtful and instructive analysis of anger, laying bare its roots and exposing its many faces. The essay guides the reader through a series of reflections on understanding the cause of anger and learning how to control it. Seneca argues that anger is a powerful and destructive emotion that can harm the person experiencing it more than others, and he offers practical advice on how to manage and overcome it. The work remains relevant today, offering wisdom and eloquence on a complex emotion that has been a part of human experience since ancient times.

#776

• Mentioned in 26 episodes

Plato's Republic

Plato

#514

• Mentioned in 34 episodes

Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow. He explores the scientific underpinnings of spirituality, suggesting that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. The book is part memoir and part exploration, discussing the illusion of the self, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of understanding consciousness through both scientific and philosophical lenses.

#31942

Teach Yourself Stoicism

Donald Robertson

#19861

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

On the Diagnosis and Cure of the Soul's Passions

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Galen

Galen's "On the Diagnosis and Cure of the Soul's Passions" is a significant work in the history of psychotherapy. It demonstrates the ancient world's understanding of mental health and its treatment. Galen, drawing upon earlier traditions, likely outlines various psychological disorders and their potential cures. The book likely explores the interplay between the body and mind, reflecting the holistic approach to medicine prevalent in his time. Its detailed exploration of psychological issues and treatment methods makes it a valuable historical text.

Sam Harris speaks with Donald Robertson about Stoicism and the good life. They discuss the relationship between wisdom and virtue, ancient versions of psychotherapy, parallels between Stoicism and Buddhism, practical vs. analytical styles of philosophy, CBT’s origins in Stoicism, the difficulty of self-criticism, techniques for reframing upsetting experiences, the lives of Marcus Aurelius and Socrates, the psychological pitfalls of using social media, and other topics.

Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and author of eight books on philosophy and psychotherapy, including the bestselling How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, and his latest, How to Think Like Socrates, both from St. Martin's Press. He is one of the founders of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit and the founder and president of the Plato's Academy Centre, based in Athens. He was born in Scotland but now lives in Canada and Greece.

Website: https://donaldrobertson.substack.com/

X: @DonJRobertson

Share this episode: https://www.samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/417-philosophy-for-life

Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

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