Stoicism ā Philosophy as a Way of Life
š For the New Year, why not send someone the gift of a subscription to our Substack newsletter “Stoicism ā Philosophy as a Way of Life”?
- On Friday I'll be answering questions for Sam Harris' online community
- Donald's Commentary on The Handbook of Epictetus #27
- Conversation with Prof. Raymond DiGiuseppe
- Stoicism and Philosophy for Life
- Interview with Larry Weeks for the Bounce Podcast


Letās Compare Marcus Aurelius to Modern Psychotherapy – Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast
In this episode, I talk with Raymond DiGiuseppe, Professor of Psychology at St. Johnās University and Director of Professional Education at the Albert Ellis Institute. Professor DiGiuseppe is a renowned figure in the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy, particularly Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Heās also done extensive work on anger. This is a special episode in which we take a deep dive into the Stoic anger management strategies described in the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. How valuable are these ancient strategies when viewed from the perspective of modern evidence-based psychotherapy.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* The Stoic theory of anger as a ādesire for revengeā* Avoid mind-reading: ā[When getting offended:] remember that you canāt be sure that they are doing wrong, because many actions serve some other purpose. Generally speaking, a great deal of experience is needed before one can confidently express an opinion about what someone else is doing.ā* Consider the whole character: āRemember how they behave while eating, while reclining on their couches, and so on, and most importantly how their beliefs leave them no choice, and how they pride themselves on what they do.ā* Attribute actions to ignorance rather than malice: āFor no soul is voluntarily deprived of the truth and by the same token no soul is voluntarily deprived of the ability to [judge the worth of things properly]. Indeed, people donāt like to be called unjust, discourteous, and avaricious, or, in general, to be thought of as someone likely to wrong their neighbors.ā* Contemplate impermanence: āWhen youāre too angry or impatient, remember that human life is fleeting and before long all of us will have been laid to rest.ā* Cognitive distancing: āRemember that it is not peopleās actions that disturb us (because their actions are [their own business]), but our opinions of their actions. At any rate, eliminate the judgment that theyāre doing something hurtful, and be willing to let go of it, and anger comes to an end.ā* Anger does us more harm than the things weāre angry about: āRemember that we suffer more from getting angry and upset about such things than we do from the things themselves.ā* Kindness and other virtues can replace anger: āRemember that kindness is unconquerable if itās genuine, not phony or feigned. After all, what can even the most abusive person in the world do to you if you keep on being kind to him and, if the opportunity arises, gently offer him advice and take the time to show him the error of his ways right when heās trying to do you harm?ā* Recognize your own flaws: āRemember that you yourself often do wrong and are no better than them. Even if you refrain from certain kinds of transgressions, you still have the capacity to commit them.ā* Do not demand perfection from others: ā[And you can accept a tenth gift, from Apollo, the Leader of the Muses:] the proposition that itās insanity to expect flawed men never to do wrong, because that would be desiring the impossible..ā* Remember, nature gave you the potential to overcome anger and conflict: āFirst, remember the various kinds of relationship I have with [others]: we were born to help one another.ā* Are there other relevant attitudes that Marcus Aurelius doesnāt mention?Links* Profile at St Johnās University* Profile at the Albert Ellis Institute* Google Scholar ProfileThanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe
Discover more from Donald J. Robertson
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.