Harry V. Keefe Library, Boston Latin School: Wolfpack Reads!

Stoicism: One Step Closer to Becoming an Emperor

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson -- 5/5 Stars

Published: 2019, St. Martin’s Press

Genre: Biography

Reviewer: Nick S., Class I

Interested in diving into classical philosophy but don’t know where to start? Look no further than How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. In this book, Donald Robertson breaks down Meditations into a form more digestible for the modern reader. Meditations is a collection of personal notes written by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius in which he explains his ideas on Stoic philosophy. It is often considered one of the key works of the school of thought.

In his commentary, Robertson explains how the core tenets of Stoicism can be applied to a person’s everyday life. He argues that Stoicism, often remembered for its dismissive attitude towards pain, is far more than a manifestation of the stereotypical drill sergeant mentality. He highlights the philosophy’s emphasis on mindfulness, opposition to anger and aggression, and appreciation of nature as evidence of its value and timelessness. Chapter by chapter, he explains how the philosophy can be used to become calmer, happier, and more peaceful.

Interestingly, Robertson is a licensed therapist, and he draws many connections between this second-century philosophy and modern psychology. At points, he even shifts more toward descriptions of modern therapeutic techniques, mixing in Meditations quotes when applicable. With Roman history sprinkled throughout, the book captures an impressively wide breadth of topics. 

I would recommend the book to anyone interested in learning about philosophy, psychology, or Roman history. It requires little prerequisite knowledge, so it is particularly valuable to people who want to learn about these topics but feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. For those who are more familiar with Stoicism or have read Meditations, it is also worth reading, as Robertson’s background in therapy means he is able to provide a unique perspective on the text. Overall, I think that anyone who is looking for a quick, entertaining read that will teach them something new will enjoy this book.