
10/12/2025
When I first picked up How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson, I didn’t expect it to feel so personal. After all, it’s about Marcus Aurelius—a Roman emperor, a philosopher, and someone who lived nearly two thousand years ago. But as I read, I realized that his struggles were not so different from mine: fear, anger, uncertainty, the pressure to make decisions, and the constant pull between duty and peace of mind. Robertson’s way of weaving history, psychology, and Stoic wisdom into everyday practices made me feel like Marcus wasn’t just a distant figure carved in marble, but a mentor whispering guidance through the centuries.
10 practical lessons from the book, shared in a way that You can try to connect with your own life:
1. Train your mind before the storm comes.
Marcus didn’t wait for crises to practice Stoicism—he prepared daily through reflection, journaling, and meditation. I’ve realized the same: when I strengthen my mindset in calm moments, I’m more resilient when chaos strikes.
2. Separate what you can control from what you can’t.
Life constantly throws things outside our influence, from people’s opinions to sudden setbacks. Robertson emphasizes Marcus’s habit of asking: Is this within my control? That question has saved me from countless wasted hours of stress.
3. Reframe challenges as opportunities to practice virtue.
Instead of asking, “Why me?” Marcus would ask, “How can I respond with wisdom, courage, or patience here?” I’ve started trying this shift—it turns everyday annoyances into training grounds for character.
4. Use negative visualization to build gratitude.
Marcus reminded himself that people and moments are temporary. At first, it sounds harsh, but it makes me cherish relationships and experiences instead of taking them for granted.
5. Practice self-distancing from your emotions.
The book highlights cognitive techniques Marcus used—like observing emotions as passing impressions rather than permanent truths. For me, saying, “I’m experiencing anger” instead of “I am angry” helps create space to choose my response.
6. Accept mortality as a teacher, not a threat.
Marcus often meditated on death, not morbidly, but as a way to prioritize what matters. Whenever I remind myself that life is short, procrastination loses its grip.
7. Focus on your role, not applause.
As emperor, Marcus faced criticism and betrayal. Yet, he anchored himself in duty, not recognition. For me, that’s a reminder to work with integrity even when no one notices.
8. Surround yourself with reminders of wisdom.
Marcus wrote Meditations for himself—his private journal of reminders. I’ve found that keeping quotes, notes, or affirmations in visible places works the same way: they gently pull me back on track when I drift.
9. Lead by example, not by force.
Marcus didn’t preach Stoicism by lecturing—he embodied it. Robertson’s storytelling shows how his calmness and fairness inspired others. That made me reflect: the best influence I can have is living the values I admire.
10. Keep returning to the present moment.
Marcus wrote, “Confine yourself to the present.” For me, that’s been the simplest yet hardest lesson. Whenever my mind races to regrets or fears, I try to breathe and return to now.
What struck me most is how practical Stoicism is—it’s not about suppressing emotions or pretending to be invincible. It’s about training the mind to navigate life with clarity, resilience, and grace. Robertson makes Marcus’s philosophy feel less like ancient history and more like a survival kit for modern life.