Donald Robertson
8 key ideas, each explained in our own words.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- IDEA 1
An emperor practised philosophy
Robertson, a psychotherapist, tells the story of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor who used Stoic philosophy to cope with war, plague and personal loss. He shows how Marcus's private notes, the Meditations, were exercises in training his own mind.
- IDEA 2
Stoicism inspired modern therapy
Robertson explains that cognitive behavioural therapy, a common form of modern therapy, was partly inspired by Stoic ideas. Both focus on how our thoughts shape our emotions. Ancient wisdom still helps people manage anxiety and anger.
- IDEA 3
Step back from your thoughts
Robertson describes cognitive distancing: noticing that it is our judgements about events, not the events themselves, that upset us. Stepping back reduces their power. Thoughts are treated as hypotheses, not facts.
Go deeper with Donald RobertsonAsk questions, argue with the ideas and practise using them, free.
Open in the app