How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius

by Donald J. Robertson

aloft, allowed to gaze down briefly on the world of men from among the stars. I have long prepared my mind to embrace the most comprehensive outlook through the daily practice of philosophy. Plato said anyone

the fields, far-traveled merchants of all nations, and huge armies massed for battle—all of them like ants scuttling over the earth. Always busy at something, an anonymous, swarming mass, wandering astray down the countless labyrinthine paths that stretch before them. Men, women,

sphere enclosing all creation, each part distinct

The universe is a single living being, with a single body and a single consciousness. Every individual mind a tiny particle of one great mind.

Wow! Vedanta

The sun does not do the work of the rain or of the wind. The sun himself and every star in heaven are telling me, “I was born to do what I am doing.”

Reason adapts itself to any obstacle if it’s allowed to, finding the right virtue with which to respond.

When we cut our ties to the past and the future and center ourselves in the present moment, we set our soul free from external things, leaving it to invest itself wholly in fulfilling its own nature.

Things external to our own character such as health, wealth, and reputation are neither good nor bad. They present us with opportunities, which the wise man uses well and the fool badly.

Adamant Media. Robertson, D. J. (July 2005). “Stoicism: A Lurking Presence.” Counselling & Psychotherapy Journal. _____. (2010).

All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. www.stmartins.com The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

First St. Martin’s Griffin Edition: 2020 eISBN 9781250196637

Wow! Vedanta