
How to Think Like Socrates
Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life
Donald Robertson(Author)
Pan Books (Publisher)
Published on 8. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-1-0350-5479-4 (ISBN)
Description
'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
'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
Reviews / Votes
Donald J Robertson is one of my favourite writers on Stoicism -- Ryan Holiday, bestselling author of <i>The Obstacle Is the Way</i> and founder of <i>The Daily Stoic</i> 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> 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 -- John Sellars, reader in philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London and author of <i>The Pocket Stoic</i> Donald J. Robertson is your trusty and insightful guide to the life, times and thought of the most important philosopher in the western tradition -- Massimo Pigliucci, author of<i> How to Be a Stoic</i> Robertson draws incisive links between modern psychotherapy and ancient philosophy, bringing Socratic dialogues to life through colourful narration and detail. It's a creative look at the enduring relevance of an ancient thinker -- <i>Publishers Weekly</i>More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 192 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
252 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0350-5479-4 (9781035054794)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
11/2024
Macmillan
€16.99
Available for download
Person
Donald J. 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.