Author

Donald Robertson summaries

2 summaries on Durar

Donald Robertson is a psychotherapist who shows how the reasoning of ancient philosophers lines up with modern cognitive therapy, and his books are worth reading because they turn old ideas into practical habits for handling worry, anger and doubt. Start with How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, which follows Marcus Aurelius through his life and gives the most direct tools for steadying your emotions, then move to How to Think Like Socrates to learn the questioning method that sits at the root of that Stoic thinking. Professionals carrying heavy responsibility, students facing big decisions, and anyone in the region who wants a calmer, clearer mind without losing their convictions will find these summaries especially useful.

How to Think Like Socrates

Apply Socratic wisdom to question assumptions, sharpen judgement, strengthen resilience, and live with greater clarity and purpose.

18 min

Listen to the intro

1:51

What is How to Think Like Socrates about?

How to Think Like Socrates (2024) introduces the life and methods of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates and shows how his ideas can help us today. Donald Robertson explains the Socratic method of asking careful questions to test beliefs, and shows how it can improve reasoning, emotional resilience, and self-knowledge. The book combines history, philosophy, and practical psychology.

Who should read How to Think Like Socrates?

Anyone who wants to test their own beliefs
Professionals seeking sharper judgment and clearer reasoning
Readers curious how ancient philosophy helps daily life

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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

Apply Marcus Aurelius’s Stoic wisdom and modern psychology to build resilience, strengthen discipline, and master your emotions.

15 min

Listen to the intro

1:24

What is How to Think Like a Roman Emperor about?

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor (2019) combines the life of Marcus Aurelius with the practical wisdom of Stoic philosophy. Donald Robertson follows the emperor from his youth to his final years and shows how he used Stoic practices to handle anger, fear, pain, and loss. Linking ancient techniques with modern cognitive behavioural therapy, the book offers readers practical tools for building resilience and emotional strength.

Who should read How to Think Like a Roman Emperor?

Anyone struggling to manage anger, fear, or stress
Readers curious about Stoic philosophy and Marcus Aurelius
Professionals seeking practical tools to build emotional resilience

Read the summary Buy on Amazon

About Donald Robertson

Donald Robertson is a Scottish-born cognitive behavioural psychotherapist and writer who specialises in the connection between Stoic philosophy and modern psychology. He is one of the founding members of Modern Stoicism, a nonprofit that promotes Stoic practices in everyday life. His other books include Verissimus, a graphic novel about Marcus Aurelius, and Stoicism and the Art of Happiness.

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