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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 (452 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)

What listeners say about How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

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outstanding! changed my life

for a while I dealt with anxiety and depression, I fought with myself about trying to be a better person and understand who I am, but I never got anywhere as my lazyness trapped me. This book helped me understand not only how I can control the vices of my personal self but to understand how any negativity and struggle in your life is meaningless to you, you are your own being and negativity is something you can easily push away as you can a box.

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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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👍🏿

I have been looking for a book on this subject for awhile and was not sure if the author was just using Marcus’s name as bait to hook gullible readers in.
This was not the case. The stories which were relevant thousands of years ago hold onto their power and meaning to this day.
The Author tells a bit of his own story as well at the end which I found very interesting as well.

Two thumbs up from me.
And the first time I have ever felt compelled to write a review for an audiobook.

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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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Fantastic content and narration

This was my first book by the author and I believe I have discovered a gem.
I have already listened to it twice and I am sure I will be coming back to it agin soon! The content is rich and narration by the author is priceless!
Listening to Donald Robertson reading the last chapter on “ Death and the view from above “ is a delicious meditation experience.

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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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  • CBD
  • 2021-02-15

Repeat listen.

I’ve been listening repeatedly to this book. First, the ideas of stoicism are very cleverly offered in plain language while being wrapped within interesting biographical details of Marcus Aurelius. This really helps (me): keep attention, heighten understanding of the layers of ideas discussed and develop “pop up” thoughts that spring to mind as you attempt to interpret and react to the world in a new way. This mix of biography and explanation of stoic ideas offers valuable built in “examples” of what is meant by each concept. Oh, and did I mention the fabulous narration!?

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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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Fantastic book

The stories and pace were captivating, I enjoyed every minute and will definitely listen again

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Effective narration. Fascinating subject matter.

I took a flyer on this book; the subject matter and its delivery pulled me in and held me. I wish there was more to this.

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  • Eduard Ezeanu
  • 2019-04-12

Marvelous mix of a biography with stoicism and CBT

This is one of the best books I've read/listened to over the past 12 months (and I read/listen to a lot of books).

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor is really 3 books in one: 1) a biography of the great stoic philosopher and roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, 2) an exposure of important stoic teachings regarding virtue, resilience, dealing with anxiety, pain, anger and death, and 3) a presentation of modern CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) principles and techniques that connect with the ancient stoic teachings and further develop them.

The three components are intertwined seamlessly in each chapter and throughout the whole book, giving the book a good flow and pacing.

I found the story of the life of Marcus Aurelius very interesting and inspiring, and the stoicism and CBT advice very well explained and useful. Highly recommend this book.

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  • Cuenco
  • 2019-04-05

Stoicism is Relevent

Excellent Book, Excellent Author and Excellent Narration by the author. Everyone I talk to Adores his accent!

Marcus Aurelius believed in the Promise of Philosophy: which is to quell rage, endure pain, conquer fears, eliminate worries, even face the bugbear of death itself with equanimity. Who doesn't want that? It promises a fulfilling (Eudaimonic) and pro-social life. We can really use more of this now, and quick!

These promises are not to be had easily, but they are possible. We see evidence of this by carefully examining the lives of people who have used this system before such as Cato the younger, Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, as well as people of our own time: James Stockdale, David Goggins to name a couple.

To them, Philosophy wasn't something you just thought about, it was something you practiced and did! Dedicating every waking thought and action of your life to. But where are the university professors teaching this, and where are the celebrities and political leaders showing this by example? To be a practice, like Weight-training, Yoga or Brazilian Jujitsu, you got to actually have a program of "stuff" to do and practice, as well as an explanation why. Donald Robertson provides these things in a systematic, fascinating, entertaining, not to mention thought-provoking way. When you read this book, I believe you will be impelled to think and Act, and begin to realize that the promises of Philosophy are not just some impossible dreams, but as a reasoning human being, are not only obtainable, but may already be within your grasp.

I've followed Robertson's work for a few years now, and have looked forward to this book for a long time, and am on my second listen. enjoy! :D

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  • Charles Conlin
  • 2019-09-24

Hard to understand the audio

Sorry, but I have trouble understanding the author's English. He should be the best reader. I think Robin Homer would be ideal, or maybe Raymond Hearn.

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  • Mason
  • 2020-01-16

life changing

if you're struggling with addiction, behavioral control, or just want to be a better person and improve yourself, this is the book for you! amazing narration and an amazing combination of history and philosophy

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2019-07-22

Wow! Perhaps the most important book I've read.

I am definitely going to be relistening to it several times.

Stoicism is power over oneself.

The author did a masterful job of telling a riveting story of the life of Marcus Aurelius blended with stoic philosophy and modern psychotherapeutic techniques such as CBT.

And a real BONUS, the author has a good voice and he does a top-notch job on the audiobook.

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  • Vincent Guyette
  • 2019-04-05

A necessary companion to 'Meditations'

The Introduction is unfortunately found at the end of the reading. However, the reading itself is passionate and persuasive. I will be purchasing the physical copy as well to help guide me down this path.

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  • samuel
  • 2019-09-26

Great Book! Wish it was longer.

I've read a lot of Stoic books in the last 10 years. I think this is now my favorite introduction to Stoicism. Donald captures the key points and misunderstandings and tells the story of Marcus Aurelius along the way. Please keep writing!

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  • Suzi Jones
  • 2019-05-29

Author should stick to writing

I loved the CONTENT of the book.
BUT the author decided to read. Not a good idea. His voice does not have the power, cadence, or ability to be able to stress or soften different nuances.

I rather have purchased the book, and had my husband record it.

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  • Pronounce
  • 2019-04-16

I'll be recommending this book to a lot of people

A brilliant guide to modern Stoicism.
An amazing insight into the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius.
A well researched companion to "Meditations".
A very accessible and less clinical approach to CBT.
A fantastic introduction to Greek/Roman Philosophy.

I'm quite particular with audio/narration, Listening through headphones, Donald has a great voice but it has a lot of low end and the audio is recorded/mixed with quite a lot of top end/sibilance. If this bothers you, listen through an app that allows you to EQ them out. Or don't and use it as an opportunity to practice virtue.

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  • Lucy Herndon
  • 2019-05-15

A superb book on Stoicism!

This is a fascinating and book for anybody interested in learning more about Stoicism and improving their life and their character. It is full of techniques to help deal with anxiety, chronic pain, grief and the end of life. It is written in a very compelling style, weaving together the teachings of Stoicism with fascinating details about Marcus Aurelius and his precarious life as a Roman Emperor and modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The author, Donald Robertson, with his lovely Scottish accent reads the book beautifully. I heartily recommend this book for everyone!

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  • Justin Jones
  • 2022-05-21

Good stuff

The content is very fine and Robertson narrates his work with melliferous feeling. Audio quality is variable, and the chapter headings appear to be somewhat scrambled, Chapter 8 actually being the book's introduction. Technical grumbles aside, this is a must for those engaged with Stoicism.

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