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Modern WisdomJan 25, 2021

#274 - Donald Robertson - Stoicism: How To Think Like A Roman Emperor

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #274 - Donald Robertson - Stoicism: How To Think Like A Roman Emperor on Modern Wisdom.

Notable books mentioned: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson, The Divine Comedy by Dante, The Immortality Key by Brian Murarescu

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Meditations cover
Mentioned at 6:28
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius

The host discusses the relevance of Marcus Aurelius's thoughts on anger in the context of modern societal issues. They highlight how stoicism, part…

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor cover
Mentioned at 12:47
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
Donald Robertson

The host discusses the relevance of Marcus Aurelius's teachings in light of current events, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs and bei…

The Divine Comedy cover
Mentioned at 23:18
The Divine Comedy
Dante

The host discusses the role of Cato the Younger in Dante's Divine Comedy, specifically in Purgatory, to highlight the intersection of Stoic philoso…

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#274 - Donald Robertson - Stoicism: How To Think Like A Roman Emperor
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Episode summary, books & quotes

#274 - Donald Robertson - Stoicism: How To Think Like A Roman Emperor mentions Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson, The Divine Comedy by Dante, and The Immortality Key by Brian Murarescu with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

Episode summary
Donald Robertson is a Psychotherapist and an author. People are getting tattoos of Marcus Aurelius, copies of his Meditations sold out at the beginning of the pandemic and yet he was just some bloke two thousand years ago. What made him so special and what is there to learn from his life? Expect to learn how stoicism and cognitive behavioural therapy are intrinsically linked, why an existential crisis can be useful, how Marcus Aurelius dealt with his anger, why Donald thinks we lost the wisdom of ancient Greece and much more...
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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #274 - Donald Robertson - Stoicism: How To Think Like A Roman Emperor on Modern Wisdom.

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  • The conversation centers on Stoicism and Christianity.
  • A second recurring theme is accessible stoicism literature.
  • Referenced books include Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Individuals interested in philosophy and self-reflection and Readers interested in Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius.

Which books are mentioned in #274 - Donald Robertson - Stoicism: How To Think Like A Roman Emperor?

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson, and The Divine Comedy by Dante are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Topic and sentiment signals

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Mention sentiment
Deep Dive(3)Highly Recommended(3)Critical Analysis(1)Passing Reference(1)
Audience signals
Individuals interested in philosophy and self-reflectionReaders interested in Stoicism and Marcus AureliusReaders interested in philosophy and literatureReaders interested in philosophy and ancient ritualsIndividuals interested in philosophy and personal developmentPhilosophy enthusiasts and those exploring self-improvement

Books Mentioned

Meditations cover
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Best for Individuals interested in philosophy and self-reflectionOften cited around anger and moral values

Marcus Aurelius had big problems with anger and mentions in the Meditations that he was worried he was going to lose his temper a few times and do something that he'd regret.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in philosophy and self-reflection
Key quote: marcus aurelius had big problems with anger didn't he
The host discusses the relevance of Marcus Aurelius's thoughts on anger in the context of modern societal issues. They highlight how stoicism, particularly Aurelius's reflections in 'Meditations,' can provide insight into managing anger and reflecting on personal values.
ASIN: B0C485XH2L
Buy on Amazon
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor cover
Best for Readers interested in Stoicism and Marcus AureliusOften cited around Marcus Aurelius insights

There are things that people ask me all the time that aren't in How to Think Like a Roman Emperor and I wish I'd had space to address them.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius
Key quote: there are people the things that people ask me all the time that aren't in how to think like a roman emperor and i wish i'd had space to address them
The host discusses the relevance of Marcus Aurelius's teachings in light of current events, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs and being prepared. They mention the book 'How to Think Like a Roman Emperor' as a resource that lacks some of the insights people frequently inquire about regarding Aurelius's life.
ASIN: B07F9YYR62
Buy on Amazon
The Divine Comedy cover
Best for Readers interested in philosophy and literatureOften cited around Stoicism and Christianity

Dante's Divine Comedy, in the second book of it, Purgatory, features Cato the Younger, a famous Stoic, guarding the gates of Purgatory, suggesting a connection between Stoicism and Christianity.

View mention details
Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Readers interested in philosophy and literature
Key quote: Dante's Divine Comedy, in the second book of it, Purgatory, features Cato the Younger, a famous Stoic, guarding the gates of Purgatory, suggesting a connection between Stoicism and Christianity.
The host discusses the role of Cato the Younger in Dante's Divine Comedy, specifically in Purgatory, to highlight the intersection of Stoic philosophy and Christian themes. This mention serves to illustrate how classical ideas can influence and coexist with religious narratives.
ASIN: 0451208633
Buy on Amazon
The Immortality Key cover
The Immortality Key
Brian Murarescu
Best for Readers interested in philosophy and ancient ritualsOften cited around Stoicism and Christianity

I'm currently halfway through The Immortality Key by Brian Murarescu, which discusses psychoactive substances in ancient rituals.

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Readers interested in philosophy and ancient rituals
Key quote: I'm currently halfway through the immortality key by Brian Murarescu.
The host mentions 'The Immortality Key' while discussing the connections between Stoicism and early Christianity. They highlight the book's exploration of psychoactive substances used in ancient rituals, which ties into the broader theme of philosophical inquiry and understanding life.
ASIN: B082VML6YX
Buy on Amazon
Letters from a Stoic cover
Best for Individuals interested in philosophy and personal developmentOften cited around stoic philosophy impact

The speaker quotes Seneca on learning how to die, highlighting its heavy impact and significance in stoic philosophy.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals interested in philosophy and personal development
Key quote: The speaker quotes Seneca on learning how to die, highlighting its heavy impact and significance in stoic philosophy.
The host emphasizes the profound insights Seneca provides on the topic of mortality. This book is highlighted as essential for understanding stoic principles and their application to life.
ASIN: 0140442103
Buy on Amazon
Happiness Hypothesis cover
Happiness Hypothesis
Jonathan Haidt
Best for Philosophy enthusiasts and those exploring self-improvementOften cited around Socratic method and therapy

The speaker mentions picking up 'Happiness Hypothesis' for the first time and quotes a significant line from it about life being what you deem it.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Philosophy enthusiasts and those exploring self-improvement
Key quote: the whole universe is change and life itself is but what you deem it
The host references 'Happiness Hypothesis' to illustrate the philosophical idea that life is shaped by our perceptions and judgments. This aligns with the discussion on Socratic questioning as a means to challenge arrogance and gain freedom from societal values.
ASIN: 0465028020
Buy on Amazon
How to Be a Roman Emperor cover
Best for Individuals interested in stoicism and self-helpOften cited around accessible stoicism literature

Donald mentions 'How to Be a Roman Emperor' as the most accessible work he's written, which people seem to like.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals interested in stoicism and self-help
Key quote: How to be a Roman emperor is the most accessible work, do you think?
The host mentions 'How to Be a Roman Emperor' as a highly accessible introduction to stoicism, highlighting its popularity among readers. The discussion reflects on the book's unique title and its journey to publication, emphasizing its appeal in educating people about stoic philosophy.
ASIN: 1250621437
Buy on Amazon
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness cover
Best for Individuals interested in self-help and philosophy.Often cited around Stoicism and happiness

He refers to 'Stoicism and the Art of Happiness' as a teach yourself self-help book he wrote.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals interested in self-help and philosophy.
Key quote: I wrote a teach yourself self-help book called Stoicism and the Art of Happiness.
The host mentions 'Stoicism and the Art of Happiness' as a self-help book that has resonated well with readers. They highlight its accessibility and the positive reception it has received over time.
ASIN: 1473674786
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