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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
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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.
Critic reviews
"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
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Harley
- 22-12-19
Generally an enjoyable listen but...
Started out as a very enjoyable listen, a wonderful introduction to Stoicism and Marcus. I particularly enjoyed the way that the philosophy is runs alongside a biography of Marcus's life. The author reads this beautifully. My only criticism is that the author seems to have gone to great lengths to strain religious considerations from Marcus's thinking, I'm not sure if this has been done to reflect the authors bias or through fear of alienating potential readers. One of the later chapters where the author poses as Marcus's inner monologue as he's dying is insufferably grandiose and self indulgent, I'm sorry but nobody finds comfort in the concept of oblivion, not Marcus, not you, not me. But if you want to make that case then do it yourself, don't use dead philosophers to parrot your own thoughts and feelings, it was in poor taste to a perverse degree. Perhaps the reason why Marcus was able to face his death with such dignity was because he thought that he was going to a better place? We'll never know, not least because this idea isn't even acknowledged in the book.
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18 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 17-04-19
This book got me through a difficult time.
I started listening to this at a difficult time while a loved one was struggling through an illness. I couldn't be more grateful to the whole presentation and it's well written.
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18 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- august year
- 16-06-19
Amazing
A newby to philosophy, I was given the letters of Seneca to read which I threw in the bin because it was so boring. This book written and read by Donald Robertson was an eye-opener. It’s sparked my interest in philosophy,psychotherapy,history and even the role of ancient religion in how to live a purpose-filed life. I like the narrator’s accent and narration style. I will certainly be reading/listening to more by him!
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12 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. Ds Phillips
- 15-07-19
Brilliant and insightful
One of the best explorations of Stoicism, and perhaps its most well-known exponent, that I’ve come across. Easy to follow, insightful and highly relevant to modern living. The author has a great voice which lends itself perfectly to the audiobook. Hope to see more from Donald Robertson in the future.
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 17-04-20
Phenomenal
One of the few books I can say I'll remember. Got introduced to Stoicism through Ryan Holiday, and this could not be a better follow up.
Throughout the book felt truly like an equal to Marcus Aurelius, and understood that the things I face are the same things millennia ago (fundamentally), and that ancient wisdom survived for a reason, and best to listen to it
Thank you very much to the author for the lovely narration and a phenomenal book
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tom
- 17-09-19
Great book but for me it was fantastic during the last chapter
There were times I found myself switching off a little bit but I put that down to my lack of knowledge of Marcus Aurelius and this type of history in general. This meant I wasn’t sure what were his words or the authors at times. I will do a bit of research and go back over the bits I wasn’t sure of as I’ll enjoy it more with more clarity. The last chapter on death was lovely to listen to and quite emotive. I will listen to this chapter as a sort of meditation and way to gain perspective as it was superb. Overall a great book
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. S. Bloggs
- 16-07-19
Outstanding
Straight in as one of my top stoicism books. It will be read and re read for many years to come. Absolutely love it.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 19-06-19
Great book
I like it very much. Highly recommended for the stories and the content it offers to the readers
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. M. Smith
- 10-06-19
Superb
Superb book. The subject matter riveting. The narration fantastic. Absolutely essential reading/listening. Something that can be listened to over and over. Wonderful.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 27-08-21
Therapy on demand
This is one of the greatest easiest books of stoicism to read/listen to. The book is well-written and performed well.
I'll definitely be listening to this book many more times throughout my life; whenever I need guidance from one of the greatest men who's ever lived: Marcus Aurelius.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Eduard Ezeanu
- 12-04-19
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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46 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Cuenco
- 05-04-19
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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35 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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- Charles Conlin
- 24-09-19
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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17 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mason
- 16-01-20
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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14 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 22-07-19
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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12 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Vincent Guyette
- 05-04-19
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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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- samuel
- 26-09-19
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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8 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Suzi Jones
- 29-05-19
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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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Pronounce
- 16-04-19
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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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lucy Herndon
- 15-05-19
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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7 people found this helpful