Marcus Aurelius: What's Special about this Course?

“Take a bird’s-eye view of the world: it’s endless gatherings and endless ceremonies, many journeys in both storm and calm, and the transformations of things coming to be, existing, and ceasing to be.” – Marcus Aurelius

I forgot to tell you something in my last email... You'll also benefit from any future updates and improvements to the course as you'll be eligible for lifetime access to the content. The course starts soon, though. So don't miss out! I'm offering a $50 off the standard course price for a limited time only, to celebrate the publication of our new graphic novel, Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius.  (Remember that Founding Substack members can enroll free of charge.)

I think it's also time to tell you a little bit more about what's actually in the revised version of this course. So without further ado, here is a brief overview of the content. I hope you like it. Please, as always, feel free to send me a quick email if you have any questions or want to suggest any additions or improvements! Thanks.

Learn how to build emotional resilience and develop a more meaningful life, from Marcus Aurelius, with my 4 week intro to Stoic philosophy and psychology.

The course consists of many audio and video recordings, excerpts, specially-designed graphics, reading, discussion questions, exercises, and short interactive knowledge check questions to aid learning and retention. There are a lot of resources here that I simply wouldn't be able to put into a book. Each week focuses on a different set of core Stoic philosophical concepts, psychological exercises, and a particular problem area, such as anger management, coping with pain, overcoming worry and anxiety, and letting go of attachment. The course was revised again over the past six months based on suggested improvements from students taking the pilot version and ideas from my new (forthcoming) book on the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius.

Welcome Section

This becomes available as soon as you enroll and contains carefully selected preparatory materials to help you get up to speed and ready for the main four weeks. Includes: videos, quotes from Marcus, recommended reading, and discussion questions, and knowledge-check quiz.

Week One: Overcoming Anger and Developing Empathy

The Education of a Stoic Emperor. This section focuses on the Stoic practice called "Contemplation of the Sage" and the role of empathy in Stoicism, particularly as a remedy for feelings of anger. It uses illustrations from the life of Marcus, such as his difficulty coping with feelings of anger toward his Stoic tutor, Junius Rusticus. Includes: Videos, reading, discussion, knowledge-check quiz. Also, for students on standard or premium plan, a webinar on Stoicism, Virtue, and Empathy.

Week Two: Conquering Worry and Anxiety

Marcus' Early Reign and the Parthian War. This section focuses on the Stoic practice called "Premeditation of Adversity" (praemeditatio malorum, sometimes called "negative visualization") and the role of acceptance in Stoicism, toward indifferent things, such as in coping with pain. It uses illustrations from the life of Marcus, such as his worry about matters of state, coping with chronic pain and illness, and his correspondence with his Latin tutor Fronto. Includes: Videos, reading, discussion, knowledge-check quiz. Also, for students on standard or premium plan, a webinar on Stoicism, Indifference, and Acceptance.

Week Three: Managing Pain and Illness

The First Marcomannic War and The Meditations. This section focuses on the Stoic practice called "The View from Above" and the role of metaphysics in Stoicism, with reference to the famous Dream of Scipio. It uses illustrations from the life of Marcus, such as the challenges of his assuming the role of military commander during the lengthy northern campaign against a huge coalition of enemy tribes led by King Ballomar of the Marcomanni. It is widely believed that Marcus wrote The Meditations during this period, and we also consider its role as a spiritual journal in relation to other Stoic writing practices. Includes: Videos, reading, discussion, knowledge-check quiz. Also, for students on standard or premium plan, a webinar on Stoicism, Nature, and the Cosmos.

Week Four: Coming to Terms with Mortality and Loss

The Civil War, and Marcus' Final Years and Legacy. This section focuses on the Stoic practice called "Contemplation of Death" and the concept of impermanence in Stoicism, and also on the practice of Stoic mindfulness (prosoche) and attention to the present moment. It uses illustrations from the life of Marcus, such as the Antonine Plague, the civil war against his general Avidius Cassius, and his own illness and eventual death. Includes: Videos, reading, discussion, knowledge-check quiz. Also, for students on standard or premium plan, a webinar on Stoicism, Mindfulness, and Death.

As I'm putting the finishing touches to the course, based on your feedback and requests, some of the above may be subject to change. I'm constantly improving it and adding more resources.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or suggestions. As always, thanks very much indeed for all of your support!

Warm regards,

Donald Robertson