In this engaging conversation, Donald Robertson, co-founder of Modern Stoicism and author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, dives into the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius. He explains how Stoicism remains relevant today, offering strategies to cope with breakups and build resilience. The discussion contrasts the Stoic pursuit of virtue with modern views on wealth, emphasizing personal growth over material gain. Listeners gain insights on managing negative emotions and the value of community in practicing Stoicism for a fulfilling life.
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insights INSIGHT
Control and Stoicism
Separate things under your control from those outside it.
This distinction is crucial for managing frustration and psychological issues.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Embracing Impermanence
Remind yourself of the impermanence of things to reduce attachment.
Broaden your perspective by asking, "What's probably going to happen next?"
insights INSIGHT
Controlling Reactions
We control our reactions, not events themselves.
Judging events objectively, without negative assumptions, promotes psychological release.
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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[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.
In the First Circle
Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn
The novel, set during December 1949, takes place in a sharashka near Moscow, a research facility where prisoners, including scientists and engineers, work on secret projects for the Soviet government. The story follows characters like Lev Rubin, Dimitri Sologdin, and Gleb Nerzhin as they navigate the complexities of their privileged yet oppressive environment. The title alludes to Dante's 'Inferno,' where the first circle of Hell is limbo, reflecting the relatively better conditions but moral limbo of the prisoners. The novel delves into themes of conscience, moral imperative, and the struggle to retain human dignity within a totalitarian system. Solzhenitsyn's work is semi-autobiographical, drawing from his own experiences in the gulag system.
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[1][5].
On today's show, I talk with Donald Robertson, the co-founder of Modern Stoicism and the author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Robertson is an expert on both ancient Stoicism and the modern psychotherapy that evolved from Stoicism called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Robertson goes in-depth on the life of the Roman Stoic and Emperor Marcus Aurelius and the lessons we can learn from his life and philosophical practices.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:
What is Stoicism
Why Stoicism is so popular today
What to do if your girlfriend or boyfriend dumps you
How to build resilience
The Stoic view on the pursuit of wealth
How to deal with negative emotions like anger, envy and anxiety
How to calm your mind and emotions
How to apply Stoic principles to achieve The Good Life
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The Good Life Podcast with Sean Murray 
