How to Think Like Socrates

Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World

By: Donald J. Robertson

Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson

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

Socrates is the quintessential Athenian philosopher, the source of the entire Western philosophical tradition, and Godfather to the Stoics. 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.

How to Think Like Socrates is an accessible and informative guide to the life of one of the greatest thinkers in history, and the first book to focus on applying his ideas to our daily lives. Author Donald J. Robertson transports listeners back to ancient Athens, expertly weaving together a thrilling account of a philosopher 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 value of the Socratic Method to modern life. As a practicing cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, Robertson also uses his expertise to reveal many parallels between the evidence-based concepts and techniques of modern psychology and the philosophy of Socrates, and shows how his philosophical insights can guide and benefit all of us to this day.

©2024 Donald J. Robertson (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic 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 If Aristotle Ran General Motors, The Oasis Within, and Plato’s Lemonade Stand, coauthor of Stoicism for Dummies

“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 Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience

"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 Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and its Modern Significance

Batting 1,000

As with How to Think Like a Roman Emperor I end the book in tears. A beautiful telling of the life and times of Socrates. Robertson’s interpretation of Socrates’ interactions with friends and colleagues adds a richness and depth to a man we don’t have absolute certainty about. Many of Socrates’ personal experiences and his personal conversations have been lost to time. Robertson’s telling is the sequel to How to Think Like a Roman Emperor we didn’t know we needed.

Great reading voice,Presentation of insights engaging

When I read Donald J. Robertson’s -How to think like a Roman emperor. It brought these concepts into a format that I could grasp but also would be excited to apply practically. This title exceded that absorption while in addition making me grow to love and cry during the swan song. In our present times I recommend this book to bring forward the next great statesman to lead in our precious democracy.

Bringing Socrates to life

Socrates is the antidote to the fear of “stoic bros.” Is the situation your problem or your view of the situation your problem? Irrational fears, seeing things how they truly are, being authentically authentic. That’s Socrates

Brilliant Teacher of CBT and Socrates!

I've learned more about CBT from Donald J. Robertson than in all my years in grad school. The way he weaves the story of Socrates and CBT together is a joy to listen to. If you haven't heard him talk about the book's release on several podcasts, you should also look around and check them out. To listen to him riff on Socarates and CBT is like being at the table with someone brilliant and getting a chance to soak up the conversation. The back story on Socrates alone opened my eyes to the richness of this historic and beautiful tale of a man who died for what he believed in. Donald J. Robertson is a fantastic writer and storyteller with an incredible voice. Bravo!

Outstanding Narration, accessible biography and amazing cognitive strategies all in one wonderful book!

There are so many things to like about this delightful book. Much like his excellent text, How to Think like a Roman Emperor, Robertson’s Socrates book does it all.

I have spent the year studying philosophy. I feel I have a much better understanding of Socrates’ dialogues after reading this book. Then from other historic texts.
Robertson is such an incredible writer. I feel like I’m in the room with these historical figures.
I hesitate to call this a self help book, but the reader will learn cognitive strategies to improve their thinking and processing.
Sections of the book are meditative. That is what make the audible edition so special.
Bravo Donald Robertson on another winner!