The Stoic Handbook by Jon Brooks

Donald Robertson Writes The World’s First Stoic Graphic Novel

Jon Brooks

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Stoic author, philosopher and cognitive behavioural therapist, Donald Robertson, returns to discuss his brand new graphic novel, VERISSIMUS. 

This is the most epic philosophical project that I am aware of to date. 

If Ridley Scott's Gladiator had a baby with Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, you’d get Verissimus.

As you’ll hear in this interview, this project was a massive undertaking, taking nearly 3 years to complete. Detailing the life, times, and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, the book acts as a historically accurate, action-packed entry point into the Stoic landscape.

In this episode, we cover:

  • The process of creating this book
  • Why Donald decided to make a graphic novel
  • Why many Romans actually opposed Marcus Aurelius
  • Marcus’ mission to cultivate natural compassion towards all human beings, even his worst enemies
  • The absurdity of Stoicism’s most popular criticism 
  • Stoicism’s deep influence on early Christianity
  • The relationship between intuition and reason
  • Jon's single favourite chapter on Stoicism


Links to Donald's Work:

 Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, by Donald Robertson 

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, by Donald Robertson

Donald’s website

Modern Stoicism



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