How To Think Like Socrates (ancient Philosophy As A Way Of Life)

By (author) Robertson, Donald
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An accessible and inspirational look at how we can apply the teachings of the greatest ancient philosopher to modern life.
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‘Donald J. Robertson is one of my favourite writers’ – Ryan Holiday, bestselling author and founder of The Daily Stoic

‘One of the best books ever written on the power and practicality of philosophy for building a good and successful life’ – Tom Morris, bestselling author of Plato’s Lemonade Stand and Stoicism for Dummies

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

Socrates is the most famous ancient philosopher and the source of the entire Western philosophical tradition. 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 – until now.

In this groundbreaking book, Donald J. Robertson, a practising cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, transports readers back to the streets of ancient Athens, expertly weaving together a page-turning account of the visionary man to show us how we can apply Socratic ideas to our daily lives.

Through a vivid, semi-fictionalized narrative, readers have a ringside seat to witness Socrates''s journey firsthand - from his military service and public trials to his ultimate execution. This engaging guide introduces the core Socratic principles and reveals how his method of rigorous self-examination is more relevant than ever in a world filled with misinformation.

‘Engagingly written and highly accessible, especially innovative in highlighting the significance of Socratic philosophy for modern readers’ – Chris Gill, Professor Emeritus of Ancient Thought, Exeter University

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Donald J Robertson is one of my favourite writers on Stoicism
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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Donald J. Robertson is your trusty and insightful guide to the life, times and thought of the most important philosopher in the western tradition
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