How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

Name: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
Author: Donald Robertson

Donald Robertson

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

15 min9 Chapters

Listen to the intro

1:24

Personal Growth & Self-Help

Psychology

Outline

What's it 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.

Key ideas

The book pairs the life of Marcus Aurelius with the practical teachings of Stoic philosophy.
Robertson follows the emperor from youth to his final years, showing how Stoic practice shaped his responses to hardship.
Marcus Aurelius used Stoic practices to handle anger, fear, pain, and loss.
Ancient Stoic techniques are linked to modern cognitive behavioural therapy, showing how old ideas fit current psychology.
The book gives readers practical tools for building resilience and emotional strength in daily life.

About the author

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.

Questions people ask

Who is How to Think Like a Roman Emperor for?

It suits readers interested in personal growth, psychology, and managing emotions such as anger and fear. No background in philosophy is needed to follow its practical tools.

What is the main idea of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor?

Donald Robertson argues that the Stoic practices Marcus Aurelius used to face anger, fear, pain, and loss can still build resilience today. He connects them to modern cognitive behavioural therapy.

How long is the Durar summary of this book?

The Durar summary takes about 15 minutes to read or listen to. It covers the life of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic practices he used, and the tools the book offers for emotional strength.