The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner

The Socrates Express is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Join author Eric Weiner on a philosophical train ride where Eastern and Western thinkers meet. This epic journey will expand your mind and make you think about the important questions of life.

Summary

The Socrates Express is a collection of some of the greatest minds wrapped in an interesting narrative. An examination of the main ‘How-to’ questions by rail. We go from Socrates to Confucius, from Epicurus to Simone Weil. All the while, the author, Eric Weiner, takes us along some of the most epic train rides in the world.

Learn more about Eric Weiner on his website: https://ericweinerbooks.com/

Each chapter gives us mini-biographies of the philosophers’ lives and focuses on a specific topic. We explore the impact of the senses and our connection with the world around us. With Thoreau, we learn to see and observe the world better. Schopenhauer teaches us to listen more, and Shōnagon focuses on the smells of the world. Gandhi shows us the way to fight and stand up for what we believe, while Confucius is all about being kind and disciplined. 

The Socrates Express covers the whole of human experience. Waking up with Marcus Aurelius, aging with Simone de Beauvoir, and dying with Michel de Montaigne. Nietzsche talks about regret, and Epicurus shows you the true pleasures of life.

Review

This is a perfect book for anyone who is interested in philosophy and who wants to get an idea about the main thinkers and their approaches to life. But it is also excellent for those who’ve been focusing on one particular philosophy and need to expand their minds. It is an inviting read, and it addresses the practical side of these philosophies. Since it covers most aspects of the human condition, every reader will get something out of it.

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Eric Weiner’s narrative is inspirational and personal. In a Montaignesque way, he presents himself as an active participant in each of the chapters’ focus. This adds to the relatability and intimacy of the book.

Meant for the general public, this book is not a deep dive into each of these thinkers’ philosophies. The Socrates Express scratches the surface enough to make you want to learn more about these remarkable people. It will even help you improve certain aspects of your life. Like learning how to walk like Rousseau or getting a good look into Stoic philosophy through the mind of Epictetus.

Recommendation

The Socrates Express finds a spot high on my list of recommendations for people who are interested in philosophy but haven’t found their voice yet. It is also great to refresh the mind and think about the big questions of life. You can’t go wrong with this wonderful train ride through the minds and places of humanity’s greatest thinkers.

Final thoughts

From the moment Eric Weiner boarded that first train in the morning with Marcus Aurelius to the final words with Michel de Montaigne, I was glad I had a seat to join him. I used my highlighter on almost every page, and the journey fueled my inspiration with many great ideas.. I’ll make sure to read his other books as well.

You can find the book: The Socrates Express on Amazon

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Author Bio

Benny Voncken is the co-founder of Via Stoica, where he helps people apply Stoic philosophy to modern life. He is a Stoic coach, writer, and podcast host of The Via Stoica Podcast. With almost a decade of teaching experience and daily Stoic practice, Benny creates resources, workshops, and reflections that make ancient wisdom practical today.