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The Stoic Question: Philosophy and Psychology

The Stoic Question: Philosophy and Psychology

By: Donald J. Robertson
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About this listen

Donald Robertson, author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor and How to Think Like Socrates, explores the meeting point of Stoicism, philosophy, psychology, psychotherapy, and the art of living through solo reflections and conversations with leading experts on anger, anxiety, resilience, self-improvement, and how to live well.

donaldrobertson.substack.comDonald J. Robertson
Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • How can Stoicism Help Kids?
    Apr 30 2026

    In this episode, I chat with Claudia Mills, an emerita professor of philosophy and award-winning author of more than sixty books for young readers. Her new novel, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom, is about a difficult young student who joins a philosophy club seeking the wisdom she needs to keep her beloved but equally difficult dog.

    Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Highlights

    * To what extent do you think children can benefit from learning about ancient philosophy?

    * Do you think there are any ways in which children have an advantage over adults when it comes to learning about Greek philosophy?

    * How can parents help their children to learn about and benefit from philosophy?

    * What is wisdom?

    * What drew you to Epictetus in particular for this story?

    * What about Socrates and Plato?

    * What are the problems faced by Calliope, and how does philosophy help her?

    * In what ways do you think children could potentially benefit from ancient philosophy in terms of their psychological well being?

    Links

    * Goodreads profile

    * Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom

    Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.



    Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe
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    55 mins
  • What Marcus Aurelius Can Teach Us About Coping with Stress
    Apr 16 2026

    In this episode, I chat with Mark Forstater, the producer of over 30 films, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail. He is the author of a number of books, including The Spiritual Teachings of Marcus Aurelius, The Spiritual Teachings of Seneca, and The Living Wisdom of Socrates, as well as books on yogic philosophy and Daoism. His most recent book, The 7th Python: A Twat’s Tale, documents his experience of working with the Pythons, and a protracted legal battle that he found himself fighting, and winning, decades later.

    Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Highlights

    * How did you get into Marcus Aurelius and Seneca? What motivated you to adapt them for modern readers and what are the main ideas that you take from their writings?

    * You’ve also written about Socrates, how do you feel he compares with the Stoics as a guide today?

    * What, if anything, do you think that working in movies can teach us about how the mind works?

    * Have you found Stoic ideas helpful during stressful periods in your own life? During your legal battles for example?

    * Could you imagine there being another movie about Marcus Aurelius?

    Links

    * Goodreads profile

    * The Spiritual Teachings of Marcus Aurelius

    * The Spiritual Teachings of Seneca

    * The Living Wisdom of Socrates

    * The 7th Python

    Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.



    Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe
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    56 mins
  • Stoicism and Anger Live
    Apr 7 2026

    Thank you George Shay, Kasey Pierce, Louisa Swaden, Joanna Milne 🏺, Hippie Dippie ME!, and many others for tuning into my live video with Phil Yanov! Join me for my next live video in the app.

    Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 53 mins
All stars
Most relevant
I like Mr Robertsons down to earth way of communicating and relating stoic values into the modern world and find it very inspiring and useful to help integrate some great ideals and perspectives into my life. Thanks

Great material read by a Scot with a great voice for narrating.

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One of the few I can listen to over and over again. It’s not just the knowledge but also the practical application to every day life which is the gold for me

Outstanding knowledge and delivery

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Great man alot to learn from him
And keep up the good work
Deffintly thumbs up from me

Stoic

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I started with Donalds book "How to think like a Roman emperor" which set me on a path that I think has made some positive differences to the way I think and act. I wish Donald produced more episodes as I continue to try learn about and practice Stoicism but value what there is.

I wish there were more.

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