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256 Donald J. Robertson: How to think like a Roman Emperor

How to apply the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius to modern life.

Duration: 08 hours
30 minutes
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Donald J. Robertson: How to think like a Roman Emperor

Summary

Donald J. Robertson explores the life of Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome, and his philosophy of Stoicism. The book uses the teachings of Stoicism to help readers overcome obstacles and cultivate resilience. It emphasizes the practical applications of Stoic philosophy and how they can be used to navigate the challenges of daily life.

About

Title: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius

Author: Donald J. Robertson

Publishing Year: 2019

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Length in Hours: 8 hours and 30 minutes

5 main ideas

  1. The philosophy of Stoicism is a practical philosophy that teaches individuals how to live well and overcome adversity.
  2. The principles of Stoicism, such as detachment and self-discipline, can be used to overcome negative emotions and cultivate inner peace.
  3. Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher and a successful emperor who embodied the principles of Stoicism in his personal and professional life.
  4. The practice of Stoicism involves cultivating mindfulness, self-reflection, and self-control in order to live a virtuous life.
  5. The teachings of Stoicism are relevant to modern life and can help individuals navigate the challenges of work, relationships, and personal growth.
Donald J. Robertson: How to think like a Roman Emperor

5 funny quotes

  1. "What's the point of learning about ancient Rome if we can't use it to win arguments?"
  2. "The ancient equivalent of 'manning up' would probably have been 'stoicizing up'."
  3. "If your boss is less impressive than a Roman emperor, you might want to consider getting a new job."
  4. "We don't often think of ancient philosophers as rock stars, but then again, we don't often think of philosophy as something that can save our lives."
  5. "Imagine, for a moment, a world in which everyone stopped complaining and started improving their own character instead."

5 thought-provoking quotes​

  1. "Fate permitting, I hope to gain a victory over myself" - Emperor Marcus Aurelius
  2. "He who fears death will never do anything worth of a man who is alive" - Seneca
  3. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth" - Emperor Marcus Aurelius
  4. "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." - Marcus Aurelius
  5. "It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it" - Seneca

5 dilemmas

  1. The conflict between the duties of a ruler and the values of a Stoic philosopher.
  2. The challenge of dealing with fear and anxiety in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
  3. The question of how to balance the desire for control with the need to accept the inevitable.
  4. The tension between duty to others and the pursuit of one's own happiness and well-being.
  5. The dilemma of how to deal with the impermanence of all things and the inevitability of death.

5 examples

  1. Marcus Aurelius and his mentor Epictetus
  2. Emperor Augustus and his strategist Agrippa
  3. Seneca and his student Nero
  4. Cato the Younger and his opposition to Julius Caesar
  5. Zeno of Citium and the founding of the Stoic school in Athens

Referenced books

  1. "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius
  2. "Discourses and Selected Writings" by Epictetus
  3. "Letters from a Stoic" by Seneca
  4. "The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph" by Ryan Holiday
  5. "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy" by William B. Irvine

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"Imagine, for a moment, a world in which everyone stopped complaining and started improving their own character instead."

Donald J. Robertson: How to think like a Roman Emperor

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