Photo by Jonathan Kemper on UnsplashThis article describes a general framework for self-improvement that I employ in coaching. It’s based on Stoicism and third-wave cognitive-behavioural ther…| Donald J. Robertson
3 posts published by Donald J. Robertson during July 2025| Donald J. Robertson
And thus the native hue of resolutionIs sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought,And enterprises of great pith and momentWith this regard their currents turn awry,And lose the name of acti…| Donald J. Robertson
In this episode, I chat with Shermin Kruse. Shermin is a globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law, and TEDx producer. She …| Donald J. Robertson
In each separate thing that you do, consider the matters which come first and those which follow after, and only then approach the thing itself. Otherwise, at the start you will come to it enthusiastically, because you have never reflected upon any of the subsequent steps, but later on, when some difficulties appear, you will […]| Donald J. Robertson
The clenched fist is a universal symbol of determination as well as of aggressive tension. — Calvert Stein, ‘Clenched fist as a hypno behavioural procedure’, 1963 Many years ago, I used to teach an old conditioning technique introduced by the behaviour therapist Calvert Stein, in the early 1960s. Stein had his clients clench the fist […]| Donald J. Robertson
Towards that for the sake of which each being has been constituted and for which it was made, towards that it strives; now in what it strives towards, there resides its end; and where its end lies, there also lies its specific advantage and good. It follows that the good of a rational being must […]| Donald J. Robertson
Just as a mark is not set up in order to be missed, so neither does the nature of evil arise in the universe. Commentary The Stoics believed that the universe was created by Providence and that nothing in nature could therefore be evil when considered in relation to the whole because everything exists by […]| Donald J. Robertson
This currently requires a subscription but if you’re on Substack, you might be interested in checking out my conversation with below. The episode is available on the Waking Up app, along with my audio course on Stoicism. (Free trials are available.) Stay tuned for news of my forthcoming AMA on Waking Up. Claim your Free […]| Donald J. Robertson
I created this 14 page illustrated PDF handbook, with the help of two graphic designers. It connametains an overview of some of the main characters, events, and practical exercises, from my new book, and everyone is welcome to download a copy. How to Think Like Socrates is now available in hardback, ebook, and audiobook formats […]| Donald J. Robertson
I recently had this conversation with Chris Williamson about Socrates, for his Modern Wisdom podcast. Hope you enjoy listening. Please share the link with your friends! Highlights| Donald J. Robertson
We’re already receiving some very useful data from the form below, which will help us design more refined protocols for testing. If you’re interested in learning to cope with anger, ple…| Donald J. Robertson
The author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor| Donald J. Robertson
This is a first draft. I’ve not supplied detailed references because I’m writing it off the top of my head just to get it out there. Please correct any errors. I’…| Donald J. Robertson
Description of Marcus Aurelius at the amphitheatre and circus, observing the games, and how he tried to use this as an opportunity to rehearse his practice of Stoic philosophy.| Donald J. Robertson