How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson

Master Ancient Stoic Wisdom and Transform Your Mindset with Marcus Aurelius’ Timeless Philosophy

About the Book

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor masterfully weaves together the remarkable life story of Marcus Aurelius with actionable Stoic principles that remain astonishingly relevant today. Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and Stoicism expert, reveals how the philosopher-emperor used ancient wisdom to overcome personal tragedy, lead an empire, and maintain inner peace amid chaos. This isn’t just philosophy—it’s a practical roadmap for developing mental toughness, emotional clarity, and a meaningful life in our modern world.

From the Back Cover

When the most powerful man in the known world turns to philosophy to survive unimaginable pressure, his lessons become timeless. Discover how Marcus Aurelius conquered fear, grief, and adversity—and how you can too.

About the Author

Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, trainer, and one of the world’s leading experts on applying Stoic philosophy to modern psychotherapy. With decades of experience helping people overcome anxiety and build resilience, Robertson has taught Stoicism internationally and written extensively on how ancient philosophy aligns with evidence-based psychological treatments. His unique background allows him to translate complex philosophical concepts into practical, life-changing strategies anyone can apply immediately.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by modern life’s demands. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking better decision-making skills, someone dealing with personal challenges, or simply curious about practical philosophy, you’ll find tremendous value here. It’s especially helpful for readers interested in self-improvement, mindfulness, leadership, or cognitive-behavioral techniques who want time-tested wisdom backed by psychological science.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is this book good for beginners who’ve never studied Stoicism?
Absolutely. Robertson writes in an accessible, engaging style that requires no prior philosophy knowledge. He uses Marcus Aurelius’ life story to illustrate concepts, making ancient wisdom feel relevant and easy to understand for complete beginners.

Q: How does Stoic philosophy help with anxiety and stress?
Stoicism teaches you to focus only on what’s within your control and accept what isn’t. This practice dramatically reduces anxiety by eliminating worry over uncontrollable events. The book includes specific exercises from cognitive-behavioral therapy that help you reframe thoughts and manage emotions effectively.

Q: What makes this different from other Stoicism books?
This book uniquely combines historical biography, philosophy, and practical psychology. Robertson’s background as a therapist means you get evidence-based techniques alongside ancient wisdom, plus the compelling story of how Marcus Aurelius actually applied these principles during Rome’s most challenging period.

Q: Can I apply these lessons to my career and relationships?
Yes. The Stoic principles covered—emotional regulation, rational decision-making, empathy, and resilience—directly improve leadership skills, workplace performance, and personal relationships. You’ll learn to respond rather than react, communicate more effectively, and handle conflicts with wisdom.

Q: How long does it take to read and start seeing benefits?
Most readers finish the book within a week or two. However, you can start applying the practical exercises immediately after the first few chapters. Many readers report feeling more centered and less reactive within days of implementing the Stoic techniques Robertson describes.