The Stoic Handbook with Jon Brooks

Explore the captivating personality of Socrates and his unwavering passion for humanity. The discussion draws parallels between his quest for wisdom and the creativity of modern icons like Jimi Hendrix. Discover how Socrates' relentless pursuit of truth shaped his philosophy and made him a unique figure in ancient Greece. Delve into his daily practices and the charismatic traits that defined his character and legacy.

Send us a textReading about Stoicism won’t change your life—practicing it will.In this conversation with Donald Robertson, one of the world's leading Stoic authors and cognitive-behavioral therapists, we explore a major misconception: Stoicism isn’t just a philosophy to study—it’s a way of life to train.Free SPQR Stoic Reset Kit — 5-min audio + 1-page protocol to stop anxiety spirals fast. → stoichandbook.co/toolkit

Join philosopher Donald Robertson as he dives into Socrates' profound teachings on wisdom and self-awareness. Discover how Socratic dialogue serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. Donald explains how Socrates viewed learning as a journey, emphasizing humility and the importance of questioning over mere authority. The conversation illuminates how engaging with others can shine a light on our biases and unlock deeper truths within ourselves. Get ready for a transformative reflection on the art of thinking!

Delve into the wisdom of Socrates with insights from a Stoicism expert. Discover the transformative two-column method for enhancing critical thinking and decision-making. The discussion highlights cognitive flexibility and the importance of questioning assumptions. Unlike typical self-help approaches, this method encourages active engagement and deep understanding. Explore historical reflections that connect ancient philosophy to contemporary personal growth and emotional resilience.

In this engaging discussion, Donald Robertson, an expert on Stoicism and cognitive behavioral therapy, shares insights on coping flexibility—adapting responses based on circumstances. He explains the Stoic art of choosing battles wisely, referencing Epictetus’ lessons on knowing when to fight a lion. The conversation highlights how even Marcus Aurelius practiced martial arts, linking self-knowledge to sound decision-making. With practical wisdom, they explore how to face adversity effectively while maintaining a thoughtful approach to everyday challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Donald Robertson, an expert on Stoicism, challenges the common misconceptions surrounding the philosophy by emphasizing that true strength lies in kindness and compassion. He explains how Marcus Aurelius viewed anger as weakness, asserting that empathy is a core tenet of Stoic thought. The conversation also dives into the emotional mastery that Stoicism promotes, and how it resonates with early Christian ethics, illuminating the vital connection between compassion and philosophical strength.

Explore strategies for managing difficult personalities using insights from Stoic philosophy and psychology. Learn the critical difference between empathy and compassion to improve your responses. Delve into boundary-setting techniques that empower you without escalating conflict. Discover communication methods like the 'I' Model and DEAR MAN to navigate tough conversations effectively. Uncover the Gray Rock technique for handling abusive dynamics and the power of tone in de-escalating conflicts. Gain practical tools to enhance your emotional well-being while engaging with challenging individuals.

Donald Robertson, a renowned author and psychotherapist specializing in ancient philosophy, discusses Socrates' enduring influence on ethics and self-help. He highlights the Socratic Method, emphasizing critical thinking and emotional resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace setbacks as growth opportunities. Donald critiques modern self-help, advocating for active engagement and self-reflection instead of passive approaches. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Socrates' relationships, particularly with his wife Xanthippe, and the importance of philosophical dialogue in today's world.

Discover how to redefine your concept of work beyond traditional roles. Explore a six-step pre-work ritual to enhance focus and productivity. Learn the importance of enjoying your work as part of a fulfilling process. Develop a performance statement to keep distractions at bay and maintain motivation. Embrace mindfulness to improve interactions and relationships. Plus, anticipate challenges with a Stoic mindset to foster resilience and personal growth. Tune in for a journey towards creating a meaningful work routine!

Discover how a structured morning routine can transform your day through Stoic principles. Reflect on Stoic quotes and practice mindful journaling to set clear intentions. Explore the benefits of meditation for mindfulness and the value of reading Stoic texts for resilience. Embrace cold exposure for mental discipline and engage in death meditation to motivate living fully. Learn how intentional clothing choices can align with your values, creating a positive mindset from the moment you wake up.