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In this clip, renowned Stoicism writer  @DonaldRobertson   explains why he believes Plato’s Apology is the only book he universally recommends. Donald dives into the profound impact of this short yet powerful text, Socrates’ legendary courtroom defense, and its relevance to Stoic philosophy and modern life.

What You’ll Learn in This Clip:

- Why Plato’s Apology stands apart as a must-read.
- The philosophical seeds Socrates planted in this courtroom drama.
- How The Apology influenced ancient thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus.
- Socrates’ fearless perspective on death and its philosophical significance.
- The timeless lessons on courage, mortality, and virtue.

Learn more about Plato's Apology: 
https://www.stoichandbook.co/podcast/platos-apology-the-only-book-every-human-needs-to-read/

📖 Connect with Donald Robertson:
Website: https://donaldrobertson.name
Twitter: @DonJRobertson

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This 7.5-minute Stoic morning meditation guides you in the practice of objective representation—seeing events clearly without emotional distortion. You'll be invited to observe a recent experience, separate facts from feelings, and reframe your response with calm and clarity. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, this meditation helps you begin your day grounded in reason, not reaction. By the end, you’ll feel mentally clear, emotionally steady, and ready to navigate your day with a Stoic mindset.

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Begin your day with mental clarity and emotional resilience through this 8-minute Stoic meditation. This guided session will help you separate raw events from the judgments you attach to them, giving you the power to observe your thoughts without being controlled by them.

Through three simple steps—observing reality, recognizing your judgments, and choosing a new perspective—you will develop the ability to see things as they are, not as your emotions make them seem.

Start each morning with a clear mind, unshaken by external events. Breathe deeply, reframe challenges, and step into your day with calm and control.

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What was Socrates’ relationship with his infamous wife, Xanthippe, really like? Was she an abusive partner, or simply misunderstood within the context of ancient Athenian culture? In this fascinating discussion, I dive deep into Socrates’ domestic life with philosopher and author Donald Robertson.

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In this lesson, renowned Stoicism writer and philosopher Donald Robertson and Jon Brooks reflect on the unique personality of Socrates and his profound love for humanity. Donald compares Socrates to modern-day creative icons, such as Jimi Hendrix, to illustrate his total immersion in philosophy as a way of life. 

Discover how Socrates' daily practices, charisma, and relentless pursuit of wisdom made him an unparalleled figure in ancient Greece and beyond.

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Reading about Stoicism won’t change your life—practicing it will.

In this conversation with Donald Robertson, one of the world's leading Stoic authors and cognitive-behavioral therapists, we explore a major misconception: Stoicism isn’t just a philosophy to study—it’s a way of life to train.

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What if another person could act as a mirror for your mind? 

In this thought-provoking conversation with philosopher Donald Robertson we delve into Socrates' timeless insights on wisdom, self-awareness, and the art of questioning. Discover how Socrates used deep dialogue to uncover life’s most fundamental truths and what he meant by an eye that can see itself.

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In this lesson, I speak to Stoicism expert Donald Robertson about how to apply the Socratic method. 

Discover the timeless wisdom of Socrates and his groundbreaking two-column technique—a simple yet profound method for improving critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and making better decisions. This ancient approach to self-improvement has inspired philosophers like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, and remains a powerful tool for modern personal growth.

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How do you know when to speak up and when to stay silent? When to push forward and when to step back? In this conversation with Donald Robertson, we explore the concept of coping flexibility—the ability to adapt your response based on the situation.

Drawing from Stoicism, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and martial arts, we discuss:

📌 Key Topics in This Interview:

- What is coping flexibility, and why does it matter?
- The Stoic skill of picking your battles wisely.
- Epictetus’ lesson: How do you know if you can fight a lion?
- Why even Marcus Aurelius practiced martial arts.
- The role of self-knowledge in decision-making.
- How to build practical wisdom for facing adversity.

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Modern Stoicism often focuses on self-control and resilience, but what if we’ve overlooked its most important lesson? 

True Stoicism is about strength through compassion. Marcus Aurelius believed that anger is weakness and that true power comes from brotherly love and justice. Yet today, Stoicism is often misrepresented as cold, emotionless, and distant.

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