How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by cognitive-behavioural therapist Donald J. Robertson weaves the life of Marcus Aurelius together with hands-on Stoic exercises you can use today. Part biography, part practical philosophy, it shows how Rome’s most powerful emperor managed anger, anxiety, grief and craving — and how you can apply the same tools to modern challenges.
What You’ll Learn
- Core Stoic techniques for resilience, calm and clear thinking
- How Marcus Aurelius actually practised philosophy daily
- Cognitive strategies that anticipate modern CBT
- Timeless guidance for leadership, adversity and self-discipline
A perfect starting point for readers discovering Stoicism through Ryan Holiday, Meditations, or an interest in ancient philosophy that simply works.
Book Details
| Title | How to Think Like a Roman Emperor |
| Subtitle | The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius |
| Author | Donald J. Robertson |
| Publisher | St. Martin’s Press |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Language | English |
| ISBN-13 | 9781250621436 |
| Genre | Philosophy / Self-Development |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is How to Think Like a Roman Emperor beginner-friendly?
Absolutely — it’s widely recommended as the most readable introduction to Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius.
When does it come back in stock?
We restock regularly — subscribe to TheBooksTank updates to be notified first.
Is How to Think Like a Roman Emperor good for Stoicism beginners?
Yes — Donald Robertson blends Marcus Aurelius’ biography with simple exercises, making it the most recommended modern introduction to Stoicism.
How is this book different from Meditations?
Meditations is Marcus Aurelius’ private journal; Robertson translates its ideas into step-by-step techniques with modern psychological backing.
When will How to Think Like a Roman Emperor be back in stock?
It is currently out of stock — join TheBooksTank restock alerts and you will be notified first.
Is this book useful for anxiety and anger management?
Yes — its cognitive techniques anticipate modern CBT and are widely used for managing anger, anxiety and craving.
What Readers Say
4.34★ average · 16,000+ ratings on Goodreads
★★★★★ “A terrific book on Marcus Aurelius and flourishing in the Stoic mode.”
— Derren Brown · Author endorsement
★★★★★ “A must-read for anyone interested in Stoicism, Roman History, or self-help.”
— Benny · Via Stoica Book Reviews·2025
★★★★★ “Robertson reconstructs the context… it makes the philosophy feel earned rather than decorative.”
— Stoic Shelf · Book Review·2026
★★★★★ “This book was life changing. I had no idea what Stoicism truly was and how closely related to modern therapeutic practices it is. Written by a therapist who has studied philosophy extensively, it gave me new insight on dealing with anxiety and living with perspective”
— Sarah Klankey · Goodreads ★★★★★
★★★★★ “I’d read other books about Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius — this is the best of those. Robertson ties Stoic practice to cognitive behavioral therapy, which provides a modern context and scientific support for Stoic practices”
— Amazon customer · Amazon ★★★★★ Verified Purchase
Reader reviews sourced from public platforms (Goodreads, Amazon & book communities) and lightly edited for length. They reflect global readers of these titles.
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