Overview

How can we apply the teachings of the greatest ancient philosopher to modern life? Socrates is the most famous ancient philosopher and the father of the entire Western philosophical tradition. He spent his life teaching practical philosophy to ordinary people in the streets of Athens, yet his work has largely been left to gather dust in academia - until now. How to Think Like Socrates is an entertaining and informative primer on the life of the great thinker - and the first book to focus on applying his ideas to our daily lives. Author Donald Robertson transports readers back to the streets of ancient Athens, expertly weaving together a page-turning account of the visionary man 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 importance of the four cardinal virtues of Greek philosophy: wisdom; justice; courage; temperance. As a practising cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, Robertson also uses his expertise to reveal the many ways in which the evidence-based concepts and techniques of modern psychology can trace their roots back to Socrates and shows how his philosophical insights can guide and benefit all of us to this day.

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9781035054787

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Reviews

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 <i>Stoicism for Dummies</i>; <i>If Aristotle Ran General Motors</i>;<i> The Oasis Within </i>and <i>Plato's Lemonade Stand</i> Robertson creates a wonderful semi-fictionalized Socrates to introduce modern readers to the birth of philosophy in Athens. We experience firsthand 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 <i>Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience</i> 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 <i>Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and its Modern Significance</i>

Author Information

Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, trainer and writer. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and, after living in England and working in London for many years, emigrated to Canada, where he now lives. Robertson has been researching philosophy and applying it in his work for twenty years. He is one of the founding members of the non-profit organization Modern Stoicism. Robertson is the author of several academic texts and multiple trade books, including the bestselling How to Think Like a Roman Emperor.

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