Donald J. Robertson’s <i>How to Think Like Socrates</i> aims to bring the wisdom of the OG philosopher to our modern, over-caffeinated lives. And to its credit, it does a solid job introducing readers to Socratic thought without making them feel like they’re wading through an ancient Greek textbook. But while this book has plenty to offer, it doesn’t quite elevate itself to philosophical greatness.

The good? Robertson knows his stuff. He weaves Socrates’ life story with modern applications in a way that’s engaging and easy to follow. The connections he draws between the Socratic Method and cognitive-behavioral therapy are particularly interesting—turns out your therapist’s “What makes you think that?” is straight out of Athens circa 400 BCE. If you’ve ever wanted to embrace curiosity, question your assumptions, or maybe just win an argument with your overly opinionated coworker, there’s definitely something here for you.

The not-so-good? It’s a bit repetitive and occasionally feels like it’s spoon-feeding ideas rather than trusting readers to engage with the material. And while the book excels at pointing out why we should think like Socrates, it’s less clear on the how. Sure, there are a few exercises scattered throughout, but they’re not as actionable as they could be. Some sections feel like you’re sitting in a very polite lecture, nodding along but unsure what to do once class ends.

In short, How to Think Like Socrates is a solid introduction for those new to philosophy or interested in the overlap between ancient wisdom and modern psychology. However, it doesn’t fully live up to its potential as a practical guide. Socrates may have asked a lot of questions, but after finishing this, I found myself wishing Robertson had answered a few more.

In How to Think Like Socrates, Donald J. Robertson brings the wisdom of one of history’s greatest philosophers into the modern world, showing how the ancient teachings of Socrates can still resonate with us today. This book is an accessible and thoughtful exploration of Socrates’ philosophy, presenting it as a practical guide to improving our lives.

Robertson does an excellent job of situating Socrates within the context of ancient Athens, while also drawing parallels to modern psychological practices, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). As a practicing psychotherapist, Robertson expertly demonstrates how the Socratic Method, with its emphasis on questioning, self-examination, and critical thinking, can be applied to modern-day challenges. The fusion of ancient philosophy with contemporary psychology is one of the book’s strengths, providing a fresh and actionable perspective on philosophical principles.

What I especially appreciated was Robertson’s ability to make Socratic thought feel relevant and applicable in everyday situations. From handling adversity to questioning our assumptions and beliefs, the lessons from Socrates are as potent now as they were in ancient times. The narrative is clear and engaging, making complex philosophical ideas more digestible for a general audience.

While the book is rich in insights, I felt that at times it could have delved deeper into specific examples or case studies to more fully illustrate how Socratic teachings can transform our daily habits and mindsets. But overall, How to Think Like Socrates offers a compelling introduction to both the philosopher’s life and the practicality of his methods, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in applying ancient wisdom to modern life.

Robertson begins by informing us of just how much we don't know about Socrates. While we are assured he was an actual historical individual, facts are limited as much about him is in fictional form. Robertson has rewritten what may be fictional accounts, dialogues, etc. so that readers can find here a very readable account of the life of Socrates and the wisdom he expressed as well as the history of the time. Robertson helps us understand what we can learn from the Socrates accounts, giving suggestions, asking thought provoking questions and providing practical exercises.

While the orientation of the information contained in this book is related to cognitive behavioral therapy, I found the book to be very informative and helpful beyond that particular discipline. The Socratic Method is asking questions. It can be used to distinguish thoughts about circumstances from the circumstances themselves. The idea is to “develop thinking skills that benefit us in the real world and free us from common mistakes.” (255/4901) An example is “rational measurement,” comparing the long term consequences of pain and pleasure in decision making. (1926/4901) My favorite section was on intellectual conceit. There is harm that can result when someone assumes he knows something when, in fact, he is ignorant. (2134/4901) I also liked the information on cognitive distancing.

Rather than a self-help book that tells us what to do, Robertson helps us develop skills to investigate our own values and determine what we want to achieve. These are important skills in an age of social media persuasion and shallow thinking. I highly recommend this book. It is not a light read but the result of making it through will be a good understanding of the thought processes leading to the benefits of self-awareness and the recognition of thinking errors, the path to a fulfilling life indeed.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

<b>Socrates 101</b>
<i>A review of the St. Martin's Press Kindle ARC via NetGalley, obtained in advance of the official hardcover/ebook/audiobook (November 19, 2024).</i>

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest philosophy/self-help mashup from author Donald J. Robertson who also works as a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist. This current book follows the life of Ancient Greek philosopher <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates">Socrates</a> (c470-399 BC) by paraphrasing / retelling his teachings & dialogues from the later writings of his students / followers such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato">Plato</a> (428-348 BC) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenophon">Xenophon</a> (430-355 BC).

See image at https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/467017410_28547567894841958_4272530820945208994_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=bd9a62&_nc_ohc=_-owEqbPmVYQ7kNvgHlly2k&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&_nc_gid=ADW1_It1HLkeIo_S43bDStP&oh=00_AYAQrP9956xafik1JrO05MjOzi7Vih7EqzzAYGKViXIlDw&oe=673C5C13
<i>Socrates in the Modern World. Image sourced from an AI creation.</i>

There are no surviving writings by Socrates himself, so what we have are his so-called Socratic dialogues with various historical characters as later recorded by his followers. Reading the translations of works such as Plato's <i>Apology</i> (Socrates' defense at his trial before his verdict, sentencing and execution for impiety and corruption of youth) and other works can sometimes be pretty hard going (see <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/93">Project Gutenberg</a> for examples).

Robertson has distilled those thorny tracts into a reader user-friendly life-story which incorporates the then current historical events of the struggles of Greek democracy in the age of Pericles, Alcibiades and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnesian_War">Peloponnesian War</a> between Athens and Sparta and then the later period of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty_Tyrants">Thirty Tyrants</a>. Periodically there are interludes where the question and answer methods of Socratic dialogue are shown as reflected in the methods of modern behavioral therapy.

My thanks to the author, the publisher St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC, in exchange for which I provide this honest review.

<b>Quotes</b>
I know they say that you shouldn't use quotes from advance reading copies, but I just couldn't resist noting these passages about the autocratic general <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleon">Cleon</a> (? - 422 BC) because they seem to presciently forecast a certain politician and even current events in 2024.
<blockquote><i>Cleon, a businessman whose wealth came from his family's tannery, emerged as a political outsider, a demagogue who quickly gained popularity by attacking the ruling elite. He evolved into a radical populist, appealing to the lower classes with a distinctive approach in the Assembly, characterized by his cynicism, aggression, and forthrightness.
...
In the aftermath of the plague, as Athens tried to reassert herself, Cleon's rhetoric became more violent, crude, and aggressive, as he attacked his critics rather than refuting them, but most often he carried the Assembly with him. Soon, this kind of outlandish behavior became normalized, and the political climate at Athens degenerated into partisan bickering.
...
Genuine statesmen gave way to demagogues, who stoked the fear and anger of the citizens and pandered to their greed and other vices.</i></blockquote>

<b>Trivia and Link</b>
If you are reading this before the November 19, 2024 release date and can still pre-order the book, you can also register for a free Zoom session with the author on the release date and for promotional materials which will follow via email on November 20, 2024 at the author's substack website <a href="https://donaldrobertson.substack.com/p/join-us-for-the-how-to-think-like">here</a>.

This book explores the enduring relevance of Socrates’ philosophy for modern life. Combining biography with practical application, it reveals how Socrates’ methods and insights, particularly his emphasis on self-knowledge and critical thinking, remain valuable tools for navigating contemporary challenges. If you enjoy philosophy, you may find this book useful—particularly the connections the author makes to the field of psychology.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this new book that looks at the world of Socrates, his experiences, his love of knowledge, and his asking of questions and how his way of life can aid us all in this modern world.

My father was a psychology major, who never went into the field. He also had minors in both theology and religion so winning an argument with him could be difficult, especially as a teen who knew everything. My father was also one who loved to learn new things. He read constantly, everything from newspapers, to Car and Driver and Rolling Stone and The New Yorker. Growing up he always knew what my brother and I were into, and never looked bored when we share stories about our Adventure People toys, Star Wars or Dungeons and Dragons. He could talk to anyone, but what I see know is he loved to listen and learn, and ask questions. This I think might have been shyness on his part, Dad never liked to talk about work, or himself, but others he loved to discuss. I thought of him much while reading this book, and know that he would have really enjoyed it. How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World by Donald J. Robertson is history and view of the philosopher, and how his curiosity and straight talk might have lead to a bitter tasting end, but enriched his life and gave him purpose, something that we need much of today.

Socrates was an Athenian philosopher that gave birth to many ideas, written later by the other great philosopher Plato, but the thing that seemed to drive him most was his curiosity. That and the fact that though he loved to read, he never believed anything until he took it down to the roots, and could go, hmm ok. The book covers both his origins, starting as a worker of stone, and the trial that led to his death by his own hand. The book looks at other famous names and the era that Socrates lived in. Also the writer using his own background in psychology discusses how one can use Socrates to find out what one cares about, and our own moral reasoning. There are other examples. How to admit when one doesn't know something, or how when proved wrong, one can move on. How to keep an open mind in a world that almost insists on absolutes. Also a sense of questioning to try and filter out what is fake from what is true.

As a person who works in bookstores, and one who has read a lot of change your mind, change your life books, I was expecting a book with some charts, some quotes, some exercises, and a final see now you are thinking like Socrates, you are smart and happy, go forward. Instead this is a far deeper book, with much more history, and a lot more looking and thinking about things than I expected. Donald J. Robertson is a very good writer, and is able to talk about Socrates, history, and psychology and human behavior in ways that aren't boring, or over the reader's head. After a strong introduction, readers are tossed right in with the trial of Socrates, along with an explanation of what trials were like in Athens. Few self help books start with gripping scenes, letting readers know this is a lot more. Which it is. There is much history, but the chapters where Robertson bring Socrates and his methods into the world of today are very revealing. Far more than I expected.

A book for readers of philosophy, especially those new to the world, those who enjoy history, and even more people who want new ways of thinking, and how to deal with the world. A much better and more intriguing book than I expected, and one I really enjoyed.

I just read a book about philosophy so "How to Think Like Socrates" was very timely because it expanded on what I just read. Robertson did a fantastic job presenting Socratic dialog in a way I could understand, while giving me a historic background of what was happening in Greece at the time, while also giving me action steps on how to be more like Socrates. The book may seem more redundant for people with deeper knowledge of ancient Greece and Socrates but I would highly recommend to anyone that doesn't know much about those topics.

I'm a tough rater so my 5 stars here are not given just to be nice. I plan to buy the actual book when it comes out so that I can go back and highlight. I want to be able to easily reference the book when needed.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.

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 some time to read through the pages as I would pause to think about some of his questions that could relate to us. What matters most in your life? What did you spend most of your time doing? What qualities do you admire in others? How much good would a million dollars be in your bank account if you are on the verge of passing away.

It’s clear that author is highly knowledgeable about the history and wanted to present it to readers in a way that would be easy to understand. As we know, much over the years has changed. Yet, it may seem oddly familiar with the same type of politics and concerns with fear, anger and corruption by manipulative leaders.

Besides philosophy, Donald J. Robertson included a great deal of the Greek history with the wars and what happened afterward. Critias was one of Socrates’ students. He became the leader of the Thirty Tyrants who ruled Athens after the Peloponnesian War.

Was the author trying to tell us something? It’s the story of revenge and how their voting systems were manipulated. When the oligarchs took control, they killed anyone that testified against them during the democracy. They arrested soldiers, their personal enemies, prominent citizens and Democrat leaders. Critias made it illegal to teach the art of argumentation as he wanted to outlaw philosophy. And you can guess what happened next. How do we know this? His student, Plato, wrote everything down.

This book will fill your mind with the how to “know thyself” along with the politics of the time. I was more interested in the philosophy as how it relates to our thinking patterns. It’s definitely a conversation piece of writing. It ends with several pages of references and notes.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of November 19, 2024.

I tried to read this book more than once, but it is just not what I expected it to be. I guess if you are curious to learn more about Socrates life and how things happened back in his period, then yes, this is the book for you. If you were looking for something more practical on how to use his advice in your daily life - then keep looking, it’s not exactly here.

I really wanted to love this, but ended up a bit underwhelmed by the writing style. This book felt more like a biography of Socrates mixed with a Greek history book rather than an introduction to stoicism.

Socrates was, in many ways, the originator in the West of both self-help and philosophy as a form of therapy. It’s only fitting, then, that a licensed cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist would try his hand at updating the dialogues of Socrates for the modern world using contemporary examples and language.

Socrates has much to teach us (and every generation), not in the form of answers, but in the form of questions more complex than we’re used to asking ourselves. In the process, we learn to live up to the philosophical maxim “know thyself” by exploring foundational questions regarding the true nature of love, wisdom, friendship, justice, and more.

It turns out that the key to Socratic reasoning is the search for exceptions to your own definitions, beliefs, and moral principles. The process of questioning your own beliefs—the antithesis of arrogant, dogmatic thinking—cultivates the same kind of “cognitive flexibility” that modern psychologists instill in their patients to eradicate false or destructive beliefs. Socratic reasoning is, therefore, therapeutic in the deepest sense.

You might ask, however, that if you want to think like Socrates, why not just read Plato’s dialogues directly, the original and most authoritative source of Socratic thinking? You certainly can do this (and should), but in writing the dialogues, Plato did presuppose that his readers had firsthand knowledge of the people, places, and events in ancient Greece that permeate his dialogues.

Since most modern readers will lack this knowledge, they’ll appreciate the author’s effort in explaining—in great detail—the people, places, and events that form the background of Socrates’s world. In fact, this is a major selling point of the book: The author narrates the life and thought of Socrates in a way that transports you back in time and allows you to walk in the shoes of philosophy’s most important thinker. What you’ll come away with (hopefully) is what everyone else who interacted with Socrates ultimately discovered—the limits of their own knowledge and a deeper sense of intellectual humility. It’s hard to think of something the world could need more of.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 How to Think Like Socrates by Donald J. Robertson is a captivating exploration of one of history's greatest philosophers. Robertson masterfully brings Socrates' teachings to life, making them relevant for our modern world. Through a blend of engaging storytelling and practical insights, the book not only offers a deep dive into Socratic philosophy but also provides actionable guidance on how we can incorporate these timeless principles into our daily lives. Whether you're a philosophy enthusiast or simply seeking wisdom to navigate life's challenges, this book is a must-read!

While I liked this book, I realized that this published was SMP, which is part of a boycott, and as such, I cannot share my review on social media in support of this publisher.

What is philosophy? The “love of wisdom.” This book is for the history buffs alike! This was a great book to read just before bedtime to wind down and let my mind wonder. I really enjoyed this book but I also really enjoy Ancient history too.

Socrates and philosophy in general is such an interesting topic in todays world because it almost seems overlooked in a sense with the overwhelming stimulation of todays technology. This was a very analytical book in terms of portraying Socrates life along with his beliefs and ways of thinking about the world we live in. I think a lot of people could benefit from stepping out of the modern world every so often to think philosophically. There are bits and pieces of how his beliefs and concepts intertwine and can be used in our modern world including things like the way influencers look at things vs. influencers of the ancient world. An interesting book to say the least. I do wish there was a bit less of Socrates personal history and life and a bit more of his philosophy but this was still a very enjoyable look into the philosophical life of Socrates and Athens/ Greece’s history.

The author has given us a bit of everything Socrates. History, Philosophy, and even some psychology.

The teachings of Socrates are just as important today as they were in his own time. Here, we learn how to use the teachings to question our own values and thoughts.

This was really good in learning the social media influences on our lives and how we should be questioning those.

Excellent.

NetGalley/ St. Martin’s Press November 19,2024

I like Aristotle, but I like Socrates's writings more than Aristotle. Sometimes, I would rather think to be like Socrates. Donald J. Robertson transports us far far away back to ancient Athens to know why Socrates write and think like that. This is really enjoyable book.

Throughout my reading life I have often read about Socrates and I am sure I will continue to do so. My compelling interest gives me a very low bar for reading anything on the great philosopher, so I was game for this title knowing nothing detailed about it. I read it for the cover! Come to find out the book weaves the life and philosophy of Socrates with the principles and approaches of cognitive behavioral therapy. I did not know anything about CBT before, but certainly as framed here I find many of the approaches appealing, such as illeism, the practice of talking about oneself in the third person, rather than the first person. This can add a refreshing and enlightening perspective in mastering our fears and controlling the emotions about events that affect us more than the events themselves. Overall, I find the connections made to ancient Greek philosophy is more in line with Stoicism generally than Socrates particular, which actually makes me like it more.

As for Socrates, his biography and that of Athens including Pericles, Alcibiades, etc. is told in a modern language novelization approach that I think will be a great introduction to these personages and this history.

This is a very good introduction to Socrates. I found a lot to think about and learned things about myself.

This is an excellent account of Socrates's life and times and its influence on his philosophy. If you prefer historical context as you learn how Socrates came to think the way he did, you'll enjoy this book.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I learned a lot more about Athens and Ancient Greece during Socrates's life and now have a better understanding of his philosophy. There was more history than philosophy, which was somewhat disappointing, but I was satisfied with the information nonetheless. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a review copy of this book. I appreciate it!