In a vibrant discussion, philosopher and psychotherapist Donald Robertson shares insights on Stoicism and its applications in modern life. He explores the parallels between Stoicism and Buddhism, revealing how ancient wisdom can foster emotional resilience. Techniques for reframing negative experiences and the psychological effects of social media are highlighted. Robertson also emphasizes the role of mentorship and dialogue in self-awareness, while drawing lessons from Marcus Aurelius and Socrates that remain relevant today.
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Robertson's Stoicism Journey
Donald Robertson shares his journey from studying existential psychoanalysis to discovering Stoicism and its link to cognitive behavioral therapy.
He found Stoicism unified his interests in psychotherapy, meditation, and philosophy, inspiring his books and clinical career.
insights INSIGHT
Virtue and Emotional Resilience
Stoicism sees virtue as the only true good while wealth and reputation are indifferent and practical, not intrinsically valuable.
This ethic fosters emotional resilience by reducing attachment to external things and adverse events.
insights INSIGHT
Stoicism and CBT Connection
Stoicism sees that people are disturbed by their opinions about events, not by the events themselves.
It shares roots with modern cognitive behavioral therapy in tackling irrational or unhealthy emotions such as anger and fear.
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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[2][4][5].
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.
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.
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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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