How to Think Like Socrates, Donald J. Robertson
How to Think Like Socrates, Donald J. Robertson
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How to Think Like Socrates
Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World

Author: Donald J. Robertson

Narrator: Donald J. Robertson

Unabridged: 11 hr 25 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/19/2024


Synopsis

How can we apply the teachings of the greatest ancient philosopher to modern life?

Socrates is the quintessential Athenian philosopher, the source of the entire Western philosophical tradition, and Godfather to the Stoics. He spent his life teaching practical philosophy to ordinary people in the streets of Athens, yet few people today are familiar with the wisdom he has to offer us.

How to Think Like Socrates is an accessible and informative guide to the life of one of the greatest thinkers in history, and the first book to focus on applying his ideas to our daily lives. Author Donald J. Robertson transports readers back to ancient Athens, expertly weaving together a page-turning account of a philosopher who eschewed material pleasures and stood by his beliefs, even in the face of controversy, with a steadfastness that ultimately resulted in his execution.

How to Think Like Socrates highlights the continuing value of the Socratic Method to modern life. As a practicing cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, Robertson also uses his expertise to reveal many parallels between the evidence-based concepts and techniques of modern psychology and the philosophy of Socrates, and shows how his philosophical insights can guide and benefit all of us to this day.

About Donald J. Robertson

Donald J. Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, trainer, and writer. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and after living in England and working in London for many years, he emigrated to Canada, and now resides in Quebec. Robertson has been researching Stoicism and applying it in his work for over twenty years. He is one of the founding members of the non-profit organization Modern Stoicism. He is also the founder and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre non-profit in Greece. Robertson is the author of Verissimus and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jackie on September 25, 2024

Socrates, the great philosopher, died in 399 BC. This remarkable book tells the story from his point of view. It starts when he was working for his father, a master sculptor and then continues through his military days and years of teaching. Socrates was searching for the meaning in life. It took me......more

Goodreads review by Jennifer on September 26, 2024

This book was such an enjoyable read. Right now, my kids are arguing on who's gonna read it first. Thanks.......more

Goodreads review by Shane on January 07, 2025

Timeless Wisdom Applied to Contemporary Audiences In his most recent work, Donald J. Robertson weaves theoretical dialogues [the author explains "theoretical" in the introduction.] between Socrates and his contemporaries in the context of the Peloponnesian Wars and explains Socrates's love of philoso......more

Goodreads review by Geoff on December 07, 2024

I loved this book. It brings Socratic philosophy to life in a way that’s easy to follow and deeply thought-provoking. The dialogue between Socrates and Aspasia about love stood out to me the most. It expressed ideas I’ve had myself but never seen put into words so clearly. The book is written in a sm......more

Goodreads review by Leslie on January 27, 2025

I don't think it's a must read, but I think it's a great read. I found it very, very entertaining and super informative. This is critical thinking 101: I don't think it's that hard to do, I just think it's upsetting for a lot of people to do.   The author laid everything out so beautifully using a semi......more


Quotes

“One of the best books ever written on the power and practicality of philosophy for a good and successful life! Wisdom isn’t a rulebook but a mindset. It develops from a life of honest and courageous inquiry. Donald J. Robertson masterfully and vividly takes us back to the Athens of Socrates and recreates the setting as well as the powerful ideas that one place, time, and person launched into the world forever. It’s an introduction to philosophy as a way of life that’s as gripping as any novel, and is as novel as a philosophy book can be. Highly recommended!”
—Tom Morris, author of If Aristotle Ran General Motors, The Oasis Within, and Plato’s Lemonade Stand, coauthor of Stoicism for Dummies

“Robertson creates a wonderful semi-fictionalized Socrates to introduce modern readers to the birth of philosophy in Athens. We experience first-hand the method Socrates made famous—of subjecting our deepest beliefs to a cross-examination that jolts and stings like an electric ray. In our modern world that swirls with half-truths and disinformation, we need nothing less to awaken us from our illusions.”
—Nancy Sherman, author of Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience

"An intriguing and original book, engagingly written and highly accessible. It is innovative both in linking the Socratic dialogues, especially those of Plato, with their historical context and in highlighting the significance of Socratic philosophical enquiry for modern readers. The connection made between Socratic method and CBT psychotherapeutic guidance is particularly suggestive."
—Chris Gill, Professor Emeritus of Ancient Thought, Exeter University, and author of Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and its Modern Significance

“A fresh and original introduction to the figure of Socrates, blending philosophy, history, and psychotherapy. Robertson invites readers to take up the Socratic method of self-examination and to embrace a life guided by rational reflection.”
—John Sellars, reader in philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London and author of The Pocket Stoic

"Don Robertson is your trusty and insightful guide to the life, times, and thought of the most important philosopher in the western tradition."
—Massimo Pigliucci, author of How to Be a Stoic

"
Robertson draws incisive links between modern psychotherapy and ancient philosophy, bringing Socratic dialogues to life through colorful narration and detail. It’s a creative look at the enduring relevance of an ancient thinker."
—Publishers Weekly