IN-PERSON: How To Think Like a Roman Emperor (Stoic Saturdays)

This is our IN-PERSON Stoic discussion and reading (no Zoom link available). We meet every 2 weeks on Saturdays.

READING

Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the last famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives to this day as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, cognitive psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius together seamlessly to provide a compelling modern-day guide to the Stoic wisdom followed by countless individuals throughout the centuries as a path to achieving greater fulfillment and emotional resilience.

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor takes readers on a transformative journey along with Marcus, following his progress from a young noble at the court of Hadrian―taken under the wing of some of the finest philosophers of his day―through to his reign as emperor of Rome at the height of its power. Robertson shows how Marcus used philosophical doctrines and therapeutic practices to build emotional resilience and endure tremendous adversity, and guides readers through applying the same methods to their own lives.

Combining remarkable stories from Marcus’s life with insights from modern psychology and the enduring wisdom of his philosophy, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor puts a human face on Stoicism and offers a timeless and essential guide to handling the ethical and psychological challenges we face today.

Link to purchase the book: Good Reads

Outlines will be provided. We recommend that you read the chapter before showing up. We will read the chapters, at least summaries of each, and go over the core ideas together.

SCHEDULE

01-03-2026: Chapter 1 - The Dead Emperor
01-17-2026: Chapter 2 - The Most Truthful Child in Roman
01-31-2026: Chapter 3 - Contemplating the Sage
02-14-2026: Chapter 4 - The Choice of Hercules
02-28-2026: Chapter 5 - Grasping the Nettle
03-14-2026: Chapter 6 - The Inner Citadel and War of Many Nations
03-21-2026: Chapter 7 - Temporary Madness
04-04-2026: Chapter 11 - Death and the View From Above

VENUE

The location is Panera Bread, 2415 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804. It's on the FIRST FLOOR of the AdventHealth medical building.

Parking is free. As you drive north on Orange Avenue, you will see the AdventHealth building on the right. Turn right, go 2 blocks, and then turn right again into the parking garage (free parking). Most parking spaces are open; avoid the reserved spaces.

You can park on the first floor and walk outside, or park on the third floor of the garage and use the air-conditioned bridge to walk to the building.

TIME

The meeting is from Noon to 2 PM. No worries if you're late... It's better to be late than not show up. Also, we take a break halfway in the meeting for refreshment and a bathroom break.

ZOOM LINK

Since the meeting is in-person only, no Zoom link is available.

GUESTS

If you want to invite a guest, please ask them to RSVP separately. We have a limited number of seats in the room.

COURTESY

This group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations. We don't talk over each other. If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.