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Marcus Aurelius

The Stoic Emperor

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Marcus Aurelius

By: Donald J. Robertson
Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
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About this listen

Experience the world of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the tremendous challenges he faced and overcame with the help of Stoic philosophy

This novel biography brings Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) to life for a new generation by exploring the emperor’s fascinating psychological journey. Donald J. Robertson examines Marcus’s relationships with key figures in his life, such as his mother, Domitia Lucilla, and the emperor Hadrian, as well as his Stoic tutors. He draws extensively on Marcus’s own Meditations and correspondence, and he examines the emperor’s actions as detailed in the Augustan History and other ancient texts.

Marcus Aurelius struggled to reconcile his philosophy and moral values with the political pressures he faced as emperor at the height of Roman power. Robertson examines Marcus’s attitude toward slavery and the moral dilemma posed by capturing enemies in warfare; his attitude toward women; the role of Stoicism in shaping his response to the threat of civil war; the treatment of Christians under his rule; and the naming of his notorious son Commodus as his successor.

Throughout, the Meditations is used to shed light on the mind of the emperor—his character, values, and motives—as Robertson skillfully weaves together Marcus’s inner journey as a philosopher with the outer events of his life as a Roman emperor.

©2024 Donald J. Robertson (P)2024 Yale University Press Ancient Philosophers Professionals & Academics Rome Stoicism Inspiring

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An excellent insight on the life of Marcus Aurelius. a a a a a a

Humbled is the man who can find fault in his own doing.

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I was in two minds about the performance and the book itself in the first chapter or two…. But I actually think it’s a masterpiece. A wonderful book.

Keep going with it

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Amazing book! I really enjoyed this well-researched and beautifully put-together book. Donald Robertson is fantastic! I can’t recommend it enough if you’re interested in the Stoics.

A fascinating insight into Marcus Aurelius’ life

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I was a huge fan of ‘How to Think Like a Roman Emperor’, so I’ve been keeping an eye out for anything else the author releases. My only concern here was that this book might be too similar, but instead it greatly compliments the previous book.

It takes a biographical approach to the life of Marcus Aurelius, giving insight into both the life of the man and many of those he mentions in Meditations. It’s interesting to consider what attracted Marcus to Stoicism and how it might have influenced his life.

Thoroughly interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the man himself.

The man behind Meditations

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Nothing to dislike, however the narrator was rather monotone and the book was heavy with names and places. Already aware of Marcus and his stoic ethos, I had hoped to put more detail and colour to his character, but I felt this was in relatively short supply. In some respects I felt that I got to know Hadrian and Lucius better than I did Marcus. Nevertheless, an informative listen overall

OK, but not gripping

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Excellent, albeit short, telling of one of how living by his beliefs in Stoic Philosophy saw Marcus Aurelius become one of the greatest Roman Emperors. He saw the role as emperor to be one of service that meant he didn’t fall into the trap so many others did before and after him, but tried hard to do the right thing. Today’s leaders could learn a lot from his example.

Robertson has an easy to listen to voice and being the author means you hear it the way they meant to write it.

The last of the great Roman Emperors

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The most exciting part for me was the telling between making diplomate with the state in the east and between the Aurelius still showing trust in his brother Verus. The chapter 9 10 well as other are all good as they portrate the psychological part of Aurelius having to deal with the senate, military and family etc. All these trying to be done and organized before another unadventageous strike into the roman part of the east. There is more for me to listen and appreciate. I am thankful to the author choosing himself to narrate this. Making the work and his interest of this as genuine as much to others. Not so many books are narrated by the author. Thank you.

Narrated by Donald Robertson!

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This is a really lovely book full of really great information about Marcus Aurelius. It’s well written and deserves credit. Unfortunately the author has decided to read the audiobook and that is a mistake. Despite his dulcet Scottish tones, it makes the book incredibly boring to listen to, which the book really isn’t.

Great Content, but the author should not have read this.

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