1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book provides an accessible and inspiring guide to the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, empowering readers to live with courage, wisdom, and resilience in the face of adversity.
“The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage.” – Donald Robertson
Quick Info
Category: Stoicism
Publish Date: 2020-08-04
# Pages: 304
ISBN: 1250621437
Where to Get It:
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Table of Contents
Overview
The book How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson is a profound exploration of the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, the last of the five “good” Roman emperors from 161-180 AD.
Robertson draws on Marcus’s famous Meditations, as well as other ancient sources, to explain his philosophy, and how it can be applied to modern-day life.
Through an exploration of Stoic philosophy, the book also examines Marcus’s life and legacy, and how he was able to remain focused on his moral ideals, despite the turmoil and suffering that surrounded him.
In addition, Robertson examines how Marcus’s Stoic philosophy can help readers to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
4 Key Lessons from How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson
1. Have a Stoic Mindset
Stoicism is an ancient Greek school of philosophy that encourages individuals to cultivate a mindset of resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity.
The Stoics believed that our emotions are a result of our own thoughts and reactions, and by understanding and controlling our thoughts, we can better manage our emotions.
This lesson can help us develop a mindset of strength and resilience, enabling us to better cope with difficult situations, remain focused on our goals, and make better decisions.
2. Develop a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that our capabilities are not fixed and that we can improve and develop through practice and learning.
Developing a growth mindset can help us identify areas where we can improve and increase our confidence in our abilities.
It also encourages us to take risks, as we understand that mistakes are part of the learning process.
3. Act with Courage
Courage is an important virtue that allows us to take risks and make difficult decisions.
The Stoics taught that courage comes from understanding the consequences of our actions and embracing them, regardless of the outcome.
This lesson encourages us to be brave in the face of setbacks and difficult situations, and to trust our own judgement and intuition.
4. Live with Purpose
The Stoics believed that living a meaningful life was the key to achieving happiness and fulfillment.
This lesson encourages us to identify our core values and set goals that are aligned with them.
By living with purpose, we can stay focused on the things that really matter, and cultivate a sense of purpose and direction in our lives.
Who Should Read It
This book would be of interest to anyone interested in Stoic philosophy, Roman history, or mental health.
It would also be beneficial for people seeking to improve their emotional resilience and to better regulate their emotions in difficult situations.
Where to Get It
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About Donald Robertson
Donald Robertson is a British psychotherapist, author, and Stoic philosopher who is a leading expert in modern Stoicism.
He is the author of the bestselling book, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, which offers an exploration of Stoic philosophy as a tool for practical living.
Robertson has been featured in leading media outlets such as BBC Radio, The New York Times, The Times of London, and has presented at universities and conferences around the world.
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Other Stoicism Books you may Like:
- Best Books on Stoicism
- Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
- Letters on Ethics: To Lucilius by Seneca
- Marcus Aurelius: A Life by Frank McLynn
- Philosophy as a Way of Life by Pierre Hadot
Over to You
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Simon
Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.