The Daily Stoic Death and the View From Above — An Excerpt from Don Robertson’s “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor”
Dec 13, 2020
Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and expert in Stoicism, discusses profound insights from his book, exploring the final days of Marcus Aurelius. He emphasizes embracing mortality, illustrating how the inevitability of death shapes our lives. Through Stoic philosophy, he urges listeners to adopt a broader perspective on existence and cherish each moment. With reflections on life's impermanence and the interconnectedness of all beings, Robertson encourages a serene acceptance of our shared fate.
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Stoic Grief
- Stoics believe it's natural to grieve but shouldn't be consumed by it.
- They emphasize acceptance of mortality, using the analogy of leaves falling in winter.
Facing Mortality
- Marcus recounts burying his father, mother, adoptive father, brother, and wife, Faustina.
- He anticipates his own burial and reunion with Faustina.
Death as a Friend
- Marcus reflects that death is a friend, a frequent guest in his meditations on past emperors.
- He observes the similar fates of all people, regardless of status or achievement.
