POPULARITY
In his book Stoicism and the Art of Happiness, author, therapist, and stoic philosopher, Donald Robertson, writes:"The Sage conquers his passions by becoming stronger than them not by eliminating all traces of emotions from his life. The Stoic ideal is therefore not to be ‘passionless' in the sense of being ‘apathetic', ‘hard-hearted', ‘insensitive' or ‘like a statue' of stone or iron. Rather, it is to experience natural affection for ourselves, our loved ones, and other human beings. And to value our lives in accord with nature."In today's conversation Donald will dive deeper into what Stoicism is, and what it's not. He'll shed light on how Stoicism in popular culture is often misinterpreted -Inappropriately distilled into messages that tout self-discipline and personal responsibility, yet at the same time leave out what the stoics may have valued most:Wisdom, justice, and love for humankind. We'll also explore the possibility, and practices that might support us in living into Marcus Aurelius's conception of the Ideal Stoic:Meeting our lives, our work, and our relationships increasingly from a place that is free of passions, and full of love. For more on Donald Robertson, his books, podcasts, and other work please visit Donaldrobertson.nameDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On Imperfectionism and the Art of Living Well | Oliver BurkemanOn Wholeness, Service, and Enduring Happiness | Stephanie HarrisonEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show
Today's wisdom comes from The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy by Donald Robertson. If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily. And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written. That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused Upgrade to Heroic Premium → Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025! Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →
In today's Part 2 episode, Ryan visits the birthplace of Stoicism in Athens and sits down for lunch with writer and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist Donald Robertson. They explore the rich history of Stoicism in Greece, share their must-see ancient philosophy spots, and catch up on what they've been reading and writing.Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.
Follow along as Ryan visits the birthplace of Stoicism in Athens—where Zeno once taught beneath the legendary Stoa Poikile. Joined by writer and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist Donald Robertson, the two tour the ancient ruins, explore the deep roots of Stoic philosophy, talk about the surreal experience of standing where it all began, and share updates on their latest writing projects.Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.
Donald Robertson is a psychotherapist and writer who focuses on the practical use of Stoicism in everyday life. His works, such as "How to Think Like a Roman Emperor" and "Verissimus," delve into the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism, making these ideas easy to understand. Robertson also explores the connection between Stoicism and modern cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while emphasizing the profound impact of Socrates on Stoic ethics and critical thinking. His approach blends ancient philosophy with contemporary psychology, providing insights for building resilience and fostering personal development.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 Podcasting Mishaps and Lessons Learned02:04 The Resurgence of Stoicism10:02 Cultural Shifts and Stoicism's Appeal19:12 Rhetoric, Politics, and Modern Manipulation30:11 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Stoicism36:31 The Challenge of Communicating Psychology39:07 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Stoicism44:54 The Evolution of Psychotherapy48:17 The Stoic Perspective on Emotions57:43 Identifying Triggers and Emotions01:05:41 The Role of Anger in Emotional ResponsesTRANSCRIPT:https://share.transistor.fm/s/c8f3dc1f/transcript.txtPODCAST INFO:YouTube: / @tysonpopplestone9467Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gWvUUY...RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/popcultureSOCIALS:- Instagram: / tysonpopplestone- YouTube: / @tysonpopplestone9467
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business with Donald Robertson — Author, Stoicism Expert, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist What if the answers to today's business challenges have been around for over 2,000 years? In this episode, we sit down with Donald Robertson — one of the world's leading voices on Stoicism — to explore how ancient philosophy can help you lead, sell and live with greater resilience and clarity. This is not about fluffy quotes. This is the practical mindset that shaped emperors and can shape your success too. We dive into:
We have these desires and aversions, these habits we indulge, these things we let ourselves get away with.
Sam Harris speaks with Donald Robertson about Stoicism and the good life. They discuss the relationship between wisdom and virtue, ancient versions of psychotherapy, parallels between Stoicism and Buddhism, practical vs. analytical styles of philosophy, CBT's origins in Stoicism, the difficulty of self-criticism, techniques for reframing upsetting experiences, the lives of Marcus Aurelius and Socrates, the psychological pitfalls of using social media, and other topics. If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe. Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That's why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life's most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.
There's something strangely reassuring about knowing people were wrestling with the similar issues we struggle with over 2,000 years ago — even if they wore togas and wrote with a chisel. Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, acclaimed author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, and one of the world's leading voices on Stoicism. He's also the founder of the Plato's Academy Centre in Athens, and a founding member of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit. On this pod, we talk about the wisdom literature and how it can help with emotional distress; specifically, the idea of Stoics as ancient psychotherapists. Donald explains how Stoicism wasn't just a philosophy of life, but also a clear system of psychotherapy in ancient Greek and Roman thought. Some episode highlights: How shifting definitions shape our understanding of mental illness On the paradox of growth through adversity Struggle and transformation Experiential wisdom Fortune and the bitch goddess of success Stoicism as an ancient psychotherapy The philosophical roots of cognitive therapy On anger, and the art of self-mastery (Seneca, Galen) On Worry and rumination Marcus Aurelius Stoicism's broader vision On the “view from above” and the liberation of perspective How time expansion mitigates worry The complex relationship of thoughts and emotions The core proposition of both Stoicism and CBT How complaining signals resistance to reality Acceptance and the dichotomy of control How to reconnect with what's essential in a noisy world This isn't motivational fluff; it's a toolkit for anyone who's ever gotten tangled in their own head.
While Stoicism is currently all the rage -and for good reason- it isn't the only philosophy to address some of life's toughest questions. From dealing with uncertainty, stress, grief and more, we have a wonderful toolbox of wisdom at our disposal, if only we know where to look.Renowned Stoics and philosophers, Massimo Pigliucci, Donald Robertson and John Sellars, take the lessons of Stoicism... and beyond... to see how we can approach life's difficulties and incorporate time-tested philosophies into our modern life. This event is hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and to sign up for the free newsletter, please go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
What do an A-list actor, a four-star Navy admiral, and a world-famous magician have in common? Meditations by Marcus Aurelius has profoundly shaped each of their lives—proof that a Roman emperor's private reflections still resonate 2,000 years later.In today's episode, Ryan speaks with actor Patrick Dempsey, director Francis Ford Coppola, Professor Jennifer Baker, magician Derren Brown, bestselling author Donald Robertson, Admiral William McRaven, and voice actor/musician Troy Baker about their personal connections to Meditations.
Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce coauthors, along with Trent Codd, Ed.S of The Stoicism Workbook - to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy can offer powerful tools for managing today's challenges. From emotional resilience and anxiety to self-compassion and values-driven living, we unpack how timeless Stoic principles can help you navigate stress, uncertainty, and personal growth.Whether you're a mental health professional, a fan of philosophy, or just someone looking for practical ways to feel more grounded, this conversation brings Stoicism down to earth—with insights that align closely with many therapeutic frameworks.We discuss:What Stoicism is and why it's still relevantThe Stoic approach to emotional resilience and anxietyThe difference between values and virtuesHow to apply Stoic practices in daily lifeBuilding tolerance for discomfort and uncertaintyTransforming self-criticism into self-compassionSocratic questioning as a tool for insight and changeEmbracing acceptance without falling into complacencyCultivating wisdom and living in alignment with what matters mostScott Waltman, PsyD, ABPP, is a clinician, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. His interests include evidence-based psychotherapy practice, training, and implementation in systems that provide care to underserved populations. He is president-elect of both the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies and the International Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. He is board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Waltman, worked as a CBT trainer for one of Dr. Aaron Beck's CBT implementation teams in the Philadelphia public mental health system. He is a practicing Stoic and the first author of The Stoicism Workbook: How the Wisdom of Socrates Can Help You Build Resilience and Overcome Anything Life Throws at You. Kasey Pierce is a writer and Stoicism columnist from the metro Detroit area. She has contributed as a freelance content editor for Donald Robertson's “Verissimus” (St. Martin's Press) and serves as the editor of Tim LeBon's “365 Ways to Be More Stoic” (John Murray Press). Kasey recently coauthored “The Stoicism Workbook” with CBT practitioners Scott Waltman and R. Trent Codd. Additionally, she is the. communications director for Plato's Academy Centre, a nonprofit in Athens, Greece, dedicated to promoting philosophy as a way of life. Kasey's passion lies in making the intersection of Stoic philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy accessible to everyday people, using relatable examples and humor to enhance understanding and application. https://www.instagram.com/socraticmethodcbt/https://www.instagram.com/kcdwrites/
Send us a textIn this clip, renowned Stoicism writer @DonaldRobertson explains why he believes Plato's Apology is the only book he universally recommends. Donald dives into the profound impact of this short yet powerful text, Socrates' legendary courtroom defense, and its relevance to Stoic philosophy and modern life.What You'll Learn in This Clip:- Why Plato's Apology stands apart as a must-read.- The philosophical seeds Socrates planted in this courtroom drama.- How The Apology influenced ancient thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus.- Socrates' fearless perspective on death and its philosophical significance.- The timeless lessons on courage, mortality, and virtue.Learn more about Plato's Apology: https://www.stoichandbook.co/podcast/platos-apology-the-only-book-every-human-needs-to-read/
The unfeeling stereotype of a Stoic would of course not be moved by a roll call of plague victims, the death of beloved tutor, or the enormity of the imperial burden. But Marcus Aurelius was never that. He was a human being.
Wishing you'd handled a parenting moment differently? Feeling overwhelmed? In today's episode, Richard Reeves and Donald Robertson share reassuring advice on navigating the challenges of raising kids, from managing school stress to leading by example. With a dose of self-forgiveness, you'll become a more confident, patient parent.
Send us a textWhat was Socrates' relationship with his infamous wife, Xanthippe, really like? Was she an abusive partner, or simply misunderstood within the context of ancient Athenian culture? In this fascinating discussion, I dive deep into Socrates' domestic life with philosopher and author Donald Robertson.
Send us a textIn this lesson, renowned Stoicism writer and philosopher Donald Robertson and Jon Brooks reflect on the unique personality of Socrates and his profound love for humanity. Donald compares Socrates to modern-day creative icons, such as Jimi Hendrix, to illustrate his total immersion in philosophy as a way of life. Discover how Socrates' daily practices, charisma, and relentless pursuit of wisdom made him an unparalleled figure in ancient Greece and beyond.
Send us a textReading about Stoicism won't change your life—practicing it will.In this conversation with Donald Robertson, one of the world's leading Stoic authors and cognitive-behavioral therapists, we explore a major misconception: Stoicism isn't just a philosophy to study—it's a way of life to train.
Send us a textWhat if another person could act as a mirror for your mind? In this thought-provoking conversation with philosopher Donald Robertson we delve into Socrates' timeless insights on wisdom, self-awareness, and the art of questioning. Discover how Socrates used deep dialogue to uncover life's most fundamental truths and what he meant by an eye that can see itself.
Send us a textIn this lesson, I speak to Stoicism expert Donald Robertson about how to apply the Socratic method. Discover the timeless wisdom of Socrates and his groundbreaking two-column technique—a simple yet profound method for improving critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and making better decisions. This ancient approach to self-improvement has inspired philosophers like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, and remains a powerful tool for modern personal growth.
The Thirty Tyrants were a ruthless group that crushed anyone who opposed them. Socrates had personal ties to some of its leaders but refused to take part in their brutal actions. Yet, his silence in the face of their regime would later come back to haunt him when he was put on trial.Today's audiobook excerpt is from How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World by Donald Robertson.
Send us a textHow do you know when to speak up and when to stay silent? When to push forward and when to step back? In this conversation with Donald Robertson, we explore the concept of coping flexibility—the ability to adapt your response based on the situation.Drawing from Stoicism, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and martial arts, we discuss:
Send us a textModern Stoicism often focuses on self-control and resilience, but what if we've overlooked its most important lesson? True Stoicism is about strength through compassion. Marcus Aurelius believed that anger is weakness and that true power comes from brotherly love and justice. Yet today, Stoicism is often misrepresented as cold, emotionless, and distant.
Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, an author and an expert on ancient philosophy. Expect to learn the profound connections between Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrackiniv Coaching Inquiries: https://calendly.com/jamesbrackin/1?month=2024-12 00:00 Introduction to Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 04:59 The Connection Between Stoicism and CBT 09:56 Understanding Anger in Stoicism and Therapy 15:06 The Challenges of Modern Self-Help 20:07 The Importance of Adaptive Thinking 24:56 Socratic Method and the Quest for Truth 29:49 Personal Reflections and Evolving Perspectives 40:27 The Challenge of Guiding Others 41:29 The Wisdom of Self-Discovery 43:24 Understanding the Socratic Method 49:42 Socrates: The Inquisitive Student 52:12 Socrates: The Onion and Jimi Hendrix 57:41 Cognitive Skills and the Socratic Method 01:01:09 The Importance of Cognitive Flexibility 01:06:28 Navigating Knowledge vs. Opinion 01:12:37 Unlearning Beliefs About Anger
Today's wisdom comes from How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson. If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily. And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written. That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused Upgrade to Heroic Premium → Or, ready to go next level? Join Heroic Elite, a 101-day training program designed to help you unlock your potential and achieve real, measurable results. Optimize your energy, work, and love with a proven system for transformation. Become the best, most Heroic version of yourself. Join Heroic Elite → And finally: Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025! Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →
Socrates is considered the man who brought philosophy down from the heavens. He made philosophy practical, accessible, urgent, but he was also contradictory, confusing, and complicated. Today's audiobook excerpt is from How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World by Donald Robertson.
In a world brimming with information and rapidly shifting beliefs, the lessons from Socrates resonate more than ever.How do we seek knowledge in an age of uncertainty? How can we engage in meaningful dialogue that encourages critical thinking? What can his ideas teach us about social justice, politics, education and our own minds?Enjoy this interdisciplinary discussion, looking at the relevance of Socrates today, drawing on the perspectives of classics, history, philosophy, and psychology and discover the life and legacy of one of history's most influential thinkers and why his ideas continue to inspire and provoke us today.Featuring prominent professors and renowned authors including: Armand D'Angour, Donald Robertson, Angie Hobbs and Massimo Pigliucci. Moderated and hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom.Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
Today we've got another Heroic +1 for you featuring wisdom from John Hale, Donald Robertson and David Brooks. If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure to subscribe. And if you're really enjoying it, I think you'll love checking out all of the other ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools you need to activate your Heroic potential and change the world, together. Head to heroic.us to check out all of the goodness. You can download free Philosopher's Notes, master classes, and our scientifically-proven app that was built by the same team who helped create Slack, Tinder, and Uber Eats. It's time to forge excellence, activate your heroic potential, fulfill your destiny, and change the world with us. YOU are the hero we've been waiting for! Welcome to your new training platform.
Today we've got another Heroic +1 for you featuring wisdom from Donald Robertson and Socrates. If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure to subscribe. And if you're really enjoying it, I think you'll love checking out all of the other ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools you need to activate your Heroic potential and change the world, together. Head to heroic.us to check out all of the goodness. You can download free Philosopher's Notes, master classes, and our scientifically-proven app that was built by the same team who helped create Slack, Tinder, and Uber Eats. It's time to forge excellence, activate your heroic potential, fulfill your destiny, and change the world with us. YOU are the hero we've been waiting for! Welcome to your new training platform.
In this episode Marcus Aurelius Anderson delves into the philosophies and strategies that world-renowned warriors, leaders, and entrepreneurs use to transform Adversity into success. He shares insights from over 220 episodes, featuring interviews with authors like Robert Greene, Donald Robertson, and Steven Pressfield. Marcus highlights the practical application of various philosophies, examining their strengths and limitations, while emphasizing the importance of action over mere intention. He encourages listeners to reflect on and adapt philosophies that resonate with their experiences and challenges. This episode also underscores the value of self-reflection and the necessity of fluidity in philosophical practice. Episode Highlights: 03:20 The Essence of Philosophy 04:32 Practical Application of Philosophy 06:19 The Pitfalls of Labels and Monogamous Philosophy 07:40 Creating Your Own Philosophy Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stoicism is no different than working out or journaling—it is a daily practice that we lean on to overcome the obstacles we face every day. As a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer, Donald Robertson has given readers a unique perspective on the benefits of applying ancient philosophy to our everyday lives in his work, including his recent book How To Think Like Socrates. Today, Donald and Ryan continue their conversation about cognitive flexibility, what Socrates and the Stoics teach us about handling uncertainty, and how Stoicism is making waves in modern day psychotherapy practices. Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.
Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Donald Robertson, renowned author, psychotherapist, and expert in ancient philosophy, to dive deep into the life, methods, and lessons of Socrates. Donald brings his unique perspective, blending cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Stoic philosophy, to explore why Socrates remains a pivotal figure in philosophy—and what we can learn from his methods today.Donald's new book, How to Think Like Socrates, is out now!
It's easy to forget that the Stoics, Socrates, and other ancient philosophers were just like us—human and therefore imperfect. But in his new book How To Think Like Socrates, author Donald Robertson peels back the mythology around the ancient philosopher and shows how we can apply his wisdom in modern times. Donald returned to the Daily Stoic podcast to talk with Ryan about Socrates' fascinating life, what his flaws were, and his enduring influence on the Stoics.Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.
Donald Robertson's new book How To Think Like Socrates will be a welcome release for anyone keen to delve into the life of the man often referred to as the grandfather of Western philosophy.Almost all philosophical schools after Socrates traced their roots to him, including the Stoics.In this episode, I talk to Donald about the book and what we can learn today from how Socrates thought all those years ago.----☀️ Start your next 10 days like a Stoic with morning routines that take only 10 minutes to complete.Free Stoic 10-day series: https://whatisstoicism.com/10days Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald is a cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, author, and an expert on ancient philosophy. Socrates is history's greatest philosopher and the Godfather of the Stoics, and today we get to discover new lessons about his life and his teachings. Expect to learn the benefits of how to think and lead like Socrates, why he was so influential, and the lessons on how to live a good life. Donald's new book, How to Think Like Socrates, is an incredible book about Socrates' life and the lessons we can apply in our own life. Follow Donald at: X: @donJRobertson Instagram: @donaldjrobertson www.donaldrobertson.name
Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, an author and an expert on ancient philosophy. If you were to divide philosophy into two eras, it would be pre-Socratic and post-Socratic. Socrates is history's greatest philosopher, and today we get to discover new lessons about his life and his teachings. Expect to learn the benefits of thinking like Socrates, why he was so influential, what the Socratic method actually is, the hidden gem lessons from Socrates on how to live a good life, the insane story of how he died and much more… Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period from Shopify at https://shopify.com/modernwisdom (automatically applied at checkout) Get a 20% discount on Nomatic's amazing luggage at https://nomatic.com/modernwisdom (automatically applied at checkout) Get the Whoop 4.0 for free and get your first month for free at https://join.whoop.com/modernwisdom (automatically applied at checkout) Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode Donald Robertson discusses Socrates' definitions of justice and courage, his trial and execution, his role in Athenian society, and the importance of self-awareness and philosophical inquiry. The conversation also includes insights into cognitive behavioral techniques and how Socratic principles can be applied to modern life and therapy. Episode Highlights: 15:05 Socrates and Modern Psychotherapy 28:57 Socrates' Influence on Politics 39:47 The Socratic Method and Intellectual Humility 40:56 Socrates on Ignorance and Politicians 43:32 Self-Knowledge and the Role of Others 55:50 The Enduring Influence of Socrates Donald Robertson is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and expert in integrating ancient Stoic philosophy with modern evidence-based therapy. A founding member of Modern Stoicism and president of the Plato's Academy Centre in Athens, he brings a unique interdisciplinary approach, blending philosophy, history, and psychology. Originally from Scotland, Donald practiced for over twenty years in London, specializing in social anxiety and confidence-building. He now divides his time between Greece and Canada, focusing on writing, public speaking, and consultancy. His work has been featured in Forbes, the BBC, and The Wall Street Journal, and his books inspire readers globally. Learn more about Donald here: https://donaldrobertson.name/ Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textThe Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism, welcomes back Donald J. Robertson, who joins us again. This time we're talking about Socrates, relating to his new book: How to Think Like Socrates.Donald Robertson is a psychotherapist and an expert in CBT, he's an international speaker, and the author of multiple books, such as The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Stoicism and the Art of Happiness, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, Verissimus, Marcus Aurelius The Stoic Emperor, and How to Think Like Socrates.In this episode we focus on Socrates, what Donald has learned from his research on this wise man, how we might be received in our modern times, and what he wants to achieve with his new book.Check out our previous interview with him in Episode 17 about his previous book, Marcus Aurelius, The Stoic Emperor. There you can learn more about his background, how he got into Stoicism, the recent developments of this philosophy, and where it might be heading.Feel free to listen to all the other interesting interviews we've had so far on the Via Stoica Podcast, so make sure to subscribe and leave a rating.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
Hi, this is Brian, and today we've got another Heroic +1 for you featuring wisdom from Steven Hayes, Marsha Linehan, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Donald Robertson. If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure to subscribe. And if you're really enjoying it, I think you'll love checking out all of the other ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools you need to activate your Heroic potential and change the world, together. Head to heroic.us to check out all of the goodness. You can download free Philosopher's Notes, master classes, and our scientifically-proven app that was built by the same team who helped create Slack, Tinder, and Uber Eats. It's time to forge excellence, activate your heroic potential, fulfill your destiny, and change the world with us. YOU are the hero we've been waiting for! Welcome to your new training platform.
In this powerful live session (recorded live for our Heroic Coach program now featuring over 130+ luminary guest faculty sessions), renowned Stoic philosopher and psychotherapist Donald Robertson helps guides us through the intersection of Stoicism and Socratic thinking as we strive to master our emotions en route to activating our potential. Learn practical tools to spot the early signs of anger, manage your emotional responses with clarity, and navigate life's challenges with calm confidence. Donald brings timeless wisdom into today's world, helping you build resilience, stay grounded, and live with purpose. Learn more about Donald's work at https://donaldrobertson.name Get Donald's new book 'How to Think Like Socrates' here: https://amzn.to/4hjkEaq And learn more about Heroic Coach here: https://heroic.us/coach
In this episode, Adam Barfoot, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP, discusses how adversity offers us opportunities to learn and to grow, the relationship between courage and fear, the Stoic philosophy in The Serenity Prayer, the relationship between addiction and trauma, the importance of focusing on what we can control, how our thinking affects our emotions, gaining strength from hardship, resilience, post-traumatic growth, the transformative nature of adversity, emotional intelligence, how the past can affect the present, the Stoic practice of premeditation of adversity, the importance of practicing mental skills and techniques, the mindfulness practice called Leaves On A Stream, and accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. Books mentioned in this episode: Post Traumatic Success by Fredrike Bannink, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene, How To Think Like A Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson, Resilience by Eric Greitens Adam's website: https://www.adambarfoottherapy.com/ Email: counselingandfunctionalfitness@gmail.com This episode is Part Two in a series on the Counseling and Functional Fitness podcast focusing on Stoic philosophy, therapy, and fitness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/counselingandfitness/support
In this episode, I'll be reading a brief excerpt from my new biography, Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor, which is available as an audiobook as well as in hardback and ebook formats. The book was chosen as an editor's pick by Barnes and Noble and currently has 4.7 stars on Amazon. You can hear a sample from the studio-recorded audiobook, and read reviews, on Audible. Also see Goodreads for reviews.* “Given the erratic, not to say murderous, behavior of many of [Marcus's] predecessors, . . . how did so sterling a character as Marcus come about? That is the subject of Donald J. Robertson's excellent biographical study.”—Joseph Epstein, National Review* “Addictively written, this riveting visitation of the fascinating figure of Marcus Aurelius is as comprehensive as it gets, covering everything from his reign to his philosophy.”—“Notes from Your Bookseller,” barnesandnoble.com* “Eminently readable. . . . A leading light in the modern revival of Stoic philosophy, Robertson directly and elegantly draws out the connections between Marcus' experiences in the unforgiving crucible of Roman imperial politics and the philosophical ideas he expresses in the Meditations. . . . An invaluable companion to the Meditations itself.”—Peter Juul, Liberal Patriot* “Few historical figures are as fascinating as Marcus Aurelius, the emperor-philosopher. And few writers have been so effective at bringing his complex life and character to the attention of modern readers as Donald Robertson.”—Massimo Pigliucci, author of How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life* “[Robertson] thoughtfully and readably capture[s] the essence of this great man and his great life. It's a must read for any aspiring Stoic.”—Ryan Holiday, coauthor of #1 New York Times bestseller The Daily Stoic* “Robertson has written a very thorough and very readable account of Marcus's life and the events and people that shaped him. Anyone who wants to understand the author of Meditations should read this book.”—Robin Waterfield, author of Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: The Annotated Edition* “Donald Robertson guides us into the world of a philosopher-emperor whose humility and Stoic teachings fill the pages. We are indebted to Robertson for this wonderful account of the emperor who penned notes to himself while in battle that would be later known as the Meditations and read by millions for philosophical inspiration. Simply spellbinding.”—Nancy Sherman, author of Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience* “Robertson's biography provides a compelling narrative of Marcus' life, carefully based on the primary sources. He brings out very clearly the life-long significance of Stoicism for Marcus and the interplay between philosophy, politics, and warfare.”—Christopher Gill, author of Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and Its Modern Significance* “This highly readable biography is the perfect place to begin for anyone who wants to learn more about the man behind the Meditations.”—John Sellars, author of The Pocket StoicStoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thank you for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, titled "Must-Read Stoic Books: How to Start and Expand Your Stoic Journey." In this episode, we delve into the essential reading list for anyone interested in Stoic philosophy. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, we've got you covered with recommendations from classic to contemporary authors.We begin with the foundational texts of Stoicism. Discover the profound wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations," the practical teachings of Epictetus' "Enchiridion," and the insightful letters of Seneca in "Letters from a Stoic." These ancient works have stood the test of time, offering invaluable guidance on living a virtuous and meaningful life.Moving to modern interpretations, we explore the contributions of contemporary Stoic authors. Learn from Donald Robertson's "How to Think Like a Roman Emperor," which merges ancient philosophy with modern psychotherapy. Massimo Pigliucci's "How to Be a Stoic" provides a practical approach to applying Stoic principles in today's world. Ryan Holiday's "The Daily Stoic" offers daily meditations to keep you grounded and focused.We also highlight some lesser-known yet impactful books. William Irvine's "A Guide to the Good Life" provides a comprehensive introduction to Stoic philosophy. Mark Tuitert's "The Stoic Mindset: Train Like an Olympian" applies Stoic principles to achieving peak performance. Lastly, Pierre Hadot's "The Inner Citadel" offers an in-depth analysis of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations," enriching your understanding of this classic work.If you enjoy our content, make sure to subscribe to the Via Stoica Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to rate and review us, as it helps more listeners discover the benefits of Stoic philosophy. Your support keeps us going and allows us to bring you more insightful episodes.Join us on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Happy listening!If you wish to read about these book recommendations, you can go to: https://viastoica.com/the-stoic-reading-list/. You can also find all our book reviews there.Support the Show.www.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast!We have an exciting update to share with our valued listeners. We are thrilled to announce that our podcast, formerly known as "Street Stoics," is now "The Via Stoica Podcast."In this brief episode, we'll explain the reasons behind our name change and what it means for you, our loyal listeners. "Via Stoica" translates to "The Stoic Way," reflecting our commitment to guiding you on your journey through Stoic philosophy with clarity and purpose. Our new name encapsulates our mission to provide insightful discussions, practical advice, and timeless wisdom from Stoic thinkers.It ties the podcast in with ViaStoica.com, a platform for everything Stoicism. Where we offer Stoic (Life) Coaching, Corporate Training, Motivational Speaking Engagements, and Masterclasses.Rest assured, the content you love will remain the same. We will continue to bring you engaging episodes featuring the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and modern Stoic authors like Donald Robertson, Massimo Pigliucci, Ryan Holiday, and more. Our goal is to help you apply Stoic principles to your everyday life, enhancing your personal growth and resilience.We appreciate your ongoing support and understanding during this transition. If you haven't already, please subscribe to the Via Stoica Podcast on your favorite platform and update your bookmarks and links. Your ratings and reviews are more important than ever as we embark on this new chapter, so please take a moment to share your feedback.Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to continuing our journey together under our new name, Via Stoica Podcast.You can find more information on our website: ViaStoica.comSupport the Show.www.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
Perhaps you've read Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, a book many turn to to learn and internalize the teachings of Stoic philosophy. But what do you know of the man who penned that seminal text?Here to help us get to know the philosopher and ruler is Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavior psychotherapist and the author of Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor. Drawing on the Meditations, three ancient histories about Marcus' life and character, and a cache of private letters between him and his rhetoric tutor, Donald unpacks how Marcus' life shaped his approach to Stoicism, and how Stoicism shaped him. We discuss Marcus' childhood and influences, his idea of manliness, the surprising significance of who he does and doesn't mention in the Meditations, and how he used that journal as a kind of father figure. We also discuss how Marcus may have undergone training modeled on the Spartan agoge, how he came to attention as a successor to the emperorship, how he got turned on to Stoicism as medicine for the soul, and how he used the philosophy to deal with his tumultuous rule.Resources Related to the PodcastDonald's previous appearance on the AoM Podcast: Episode #537 — How to Think Like a Roman EmperorAoM Article: Meditations on a First Reading of MeditationsAoM Article: 5 Ancient Stoic Tactics for Modern LifeAoM Podcast #316: An Introduction to StoicismAoM article on the Spartan agogeMeditations by Marcus AureliusEpictetus' "show me your shoulders" discourseConnect With Donald RobertsonDonald's SubstackModern StoicismPlato's Academy Centre