Donald Robertson, a Stoicism historian and psychotherapist, unpacks the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius. He discusses how many famous quotes may be misattributions and explores the intriguing possibility that Marcus experimented with psychedelics. The conversation dives into the stark contrast between Marcus and Nero, touching on the dangers of seeking public approval. Robertson offers insights on modern mental health challenges through a Stoic lens, revealing how Aurelius's teachings can help with anxiety and depression while embracing life's uncertainties.
01:22:35
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Marcus Aurelius' Upbringing
Marcus Aurelius' mother, a wealthy construction magnate, heavily influenced his upbringing.
She fostered an intellectual salon and likely chose his Stoic tutors.
insights INSIGHT
Origin of Meditations
"Meditations", originally titled "To Himself", likely originated during the Marcomannic War after his tutor's death.
Marcus, seeking philosophical discourse, wrote to himself, compiling insights and quotes.
insights INSIGHT
Aureliusian Drift
Much of Marcus Aurelius's work might be repurposed from lost texts.
He condensed and rephrased others' ideas, creating "Aureliusian drift."
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
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.
Epictetus' Discourses
null
Epictetus
Epictetus' Discourses, compiled by his student Arrian, represent a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. These teachings emphasize inner freedom, focusing on what we can control—our thoughts and actions—rather than external events. Epictetus's practical approach to living a virtuous life resonates with readers seeking guidance on managing emotions and navigating life's challenges. His emphasis on self-awareness and acceptance of what is beyond our control offers a path to inner peace and resilience. The Discourses remain a valuable resource for understanding and applying Stoic principles in daily life.
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].
Spiritual Enlightenment
Anthony de Mello
Donald Robertson is a stoicism historian, a psychotherapist and an author.
Marcus Aurelius has become one of the most quoted and most popular philosophers in history. His meditations have helped millions of people to find solace in hard times and deal with setbacks in life. But which elements of his life and philosophy have been hidden from the public and how many valuable insights are less widely known?
Expect to learn why many of Marcus' quotes might be plagiarising lost texts from other philosophers, whether Donald thinks that Marcus took psychedelics during a sacred ceremony, just how crazy Emperor Nero was, what Marcus learned about not being seduced by fame, how the Stoics would advise people to deal with depression and much more...
Modern Wisdom 
