Donald Robertson presents Socrates’s life and philosophy as a mirror of the past that we can use to reflect on our lives today.
Summary
This second installment of Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like… books focuses on Socrates’s life. How to Think Like Socrates covers many aspects of this wise man’s existence. Not only do we learn about the Socratic method, its value, and its application, but we also get a glimpse into the historical backdrop in which he went on his search for wisdom.
The creative narrative combined with the events in ancient Greece, will help you better understand what Socrates had to deal with. We learn about his inspiration to pursue a life of philosophy. Furthermore, we see the surprising influences he had in developing his questioning technique, the wars he fought in, and how he stuck to his beliefs in the face of adversity.
Starting with the famous trial of Socrates, which would lead to him having to drink the poisonous hemlock. Donald Robertson takes us back to the beginning of the father of philosophy. We can read some of the famous dialogues written by Xenophon and Plato, which appear as his timeline moves forward.
Review
The fascinating thing about these books by Donald Robertson is that they link the philosophy of the main subjects to the real modern world. How to Think Like Socrates is no exception. This book provides great value to anyone who is interested in either history, philosophy, ancient Greece, Stoicism, or self-help. The narrative used by Donald makes sure that this is an entertaining book to read while gaining knowledge, breaking that fine line between being too academic and fiction.
As you read How to Think Like Socrates, you can’t help but reflect on your life. To look at what you know and realize how much you don’t know. The techniques displayed here will help you reexamine many aspects of yourself. It will give you new insights into philosophy and life in general.
Recommendation
How to Think Like Socrates is a definite recommendation and should find its way to your bookshelf. It is essential to learn more about Socrates if you are interested in philosophy or Stoicism in particular.
The accessibility of the information and flow of the book makes it enjoyable and educational to read. That’s why this book will become an instant classic, along with Donald Robertson’s previous books. You can read our book reviews on his other works here:
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor
Final thoughts
I always enjoy reading Donald Roberton’s books as they are interesting and educational to read. How to Think Like Socrates takes this a step further with its wonderful writing style and pages packed with history and information.
Check out the conversation we had with Donald on the Via Stoica Podcast. This compelling chat will give you a deeper look into the motives he had for writing about Socrates. We also discuss how Socrates would have been received had he been alive today and why the Socratic method is needed now more than ever.
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