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  • How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

  • The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
  • Written by: Donald J. Robertson
  • Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
  • Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (459 ratings)

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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

Written by: Donald J. Robertson
Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
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Publisher's Summary

The life-changing principles of Stoicism taught through the story of its most famous proponent.

Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives to this day as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with everyday problems, from irrational fears and bad habits to anger, pain, and illness.

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor takes listeners on a transformative journey along with Marcus, following his progress from a young noble at the court of Hadrian - taken under the wing of some of the finest philosophers of his day - through to his reign as emperor of Rome at the height of its power. Robertson shows how Marcus used philosophical doctrines and therapeutic practices to build emotional resilience and endure tremendous adversity, and guides listeners through applying the same methods to their own lives.

Combining remarkable stories from Marcus’s life with insights from modern psychology and the enduring wisdom of his philosophy, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor puts a human face on Stoicism and offers a timeless and essential guide to handling the ethical and psychological challenges we face today.

©2019 Donald Robertson (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

What the critics say

"This book is a wonderful introduction to one of history's greatest figures: Marcus Aurelius. His life and this book are a clear guide for those facing adversity, seeking tranquility and pursuing excellence." (Ryan Holiday, best-selling author of The Obstacle Is the Way and The Daily Stoic)

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Enjoyable Listen

An interesting overview of The Meditations and the life of Marcus Aurelius. Good pacing to keep things interesting between topics.

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Best book I've Ever Read

The title sounds so cliche, and purists will say you must read the original, but this book is very well done.
This book changed my life. Stoic practice is like exercise. You must keep at it, or it will atrophy.

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Engaging, calming

I've been listening to this on daily walks.I found it soothing. Engaging story telling with notes on how stoic philosophy can be applied to modern life.

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  • Pat
  • 2021-07-22

Great narrator and great book

Great story about the life of Marcus Aurelius and the environment in which he lived in.

The narrator's performance was perfect for this book.

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Makes you yhink as it should

This reading opens your mind up to thinking and seeing life in new ways. I would advise listening on a quiet area where there is no distinction so you can absorb it best.

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  • Amy
  • 2021-02-26

Captivating! A must read!

Really good listen. I will definitely listen to it more than once. The author keeps you interested throughout the entire book.

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You'll enjoy it. Promise.

It borrows heavily from Pierre Hadot's The Inner Citadel, but that's not a bad thing. Because The Inner Citadel can be a bore to read at times, while this book is a pleasure from start to finish. Also, but borrowing from Hadot, Robertson is borrowing from one of the greatest scholars on stoicism, as well as the text itself.
Wrap that up in a comforting therapist's scottish accent, and you've got a really pleasant listen that will inform you as well as entertain you.
If I'm wrong and you don't love it, you can kick me in the nuts. But you're gonna love it.

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An awesome read

I recently decided to try stoicism, and I came across this audiobook. Not only does it offer a
comprehensive history of stoicism, the narrator was awesome as well. Overall I found this book to be charming and full of fantastic information about stoicism.

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  • Guy
  • 2020-06-11

Invaluable

This book is a true jewel - it offers an emotionally sustainable perspective on life, if your willing to apply the knowledge.

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phenomenal philosophy

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I am interested in becoming a better version of myself. I believe that stoicism has the tools I was lacking to do so, I was able to apply some of the teachings to my own personal issues and have learned to better handle my emotions.

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