How to Think Like Socrates

Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World

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 readers back to ancient Athens, expertly weaving together a page-turning 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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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 first-hand 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

“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 The Pocket Stoic

"Don 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 How to Be a Stoic

"Robertson draws incisive links between modern psychotherapy and ancient philosophy, bringing Socratic dialogues to life through colorful narration and detail. It’s a creative look at the enduring relevance of an ancient thinker."
—Publishers Weekly

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.

How much I didn’t know and after herading, understanding that I actually knew less than I thought.

Amazing audio book. DJR dives well into Socrates’s life and the world he lived in to paint a well illustrated picture. I will be listening to this again and already suggested it to many of my friends who are also loving it.

CBT and Socrates for a general audience

"How to Think Like Socrates" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving their critical thinking skills and gaining a deeper understanding of ancient philosophy. Its practical focus and engaging style make it a rewarding read for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge of philosophical thought.

The author brings modern cognitive behavioral therapy principles to his explanation of the work of Socrates and this is where the book really shines.

The local performance is excellent.

Clear teaching and communication

Narration was excellent.

Storytelling was superior.

Excellent communication of the story brought the book to life.

Brilliant!

How to Think Like Socrates by Donald J. Robertson is an absolute gem — one of the most engaging, practical, and inspiring philosophy books I’ve read in years.
Robertson, already beloved for How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, brings the same accessible brilliance here but turns his focus to the godfather of Western philosophy himself: Socrates. What makes this book stand out is that it’s not just another dry biography or academic recap of Plato’s dialogues. Instead, Robertson masterfully weaves a vivid, page-turning narrative of Socrates’ life — from his humble beginnings as a stonemason’s son through his relentless questioning in the Athenian agora, all the way to his defiant trial and execution in 399 BCE — while seamlessly showing how his ideas remain urgently relevant today.
The heart of the book is the famous Socratic method — that gentle (yet razor-sharp) art of asking questions to expose assumptions, clarify values, and uncover deeper truths. Robertson doesn’t leave it in ancient Athens; he draws direct, eye-opening parallels to modern cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), where techniques like examining evidence for beliefs, challenging cognitive distortions, and pursuing rational self-examination echo Socrates’ approach almost exactly. As a practicing psychotherapist, Robertson brings real clinical insight to these connections, making ancient wisdom feel fresh, evidence-based, and immediately usable.
Whether he’s unpacking Socrates’ emphasis on the cardinal virtues (wisdom, courage, justice, temperance) or showing how relentless self-inquiry can help with anxiety, decision-making, relationships, or finding meaning in a chaotic world, the book feels alive and actionable. The dialogues from Plato and Xenophon are integrated beautifully — not as dusty excerpts but as dramatic, living conversations that sting and illuminate just as they did 2,400 years ago.
Readers rave about how thought-provoking and transformative it is, with many calling it “one of the best books ever written on the power and practicality of philosophy for a good and successful life.” The writing is clear, compelling, and often witty — never pretentious. At a time when we’re bombarded with quick-fix advice, this book reminds us that real wisdom comes from courageous, honest questioning — and that anyone can start practicing it right now.
If you’re interested in philosophy that actually changes how you live, or if you want to sharpen your thinking in an age of noise and distraction, How to Think Like Socrates is essential reading. I can’t recommend it highly enough — five stars, and then some. Buy it, read it, and let Socrates’ electric-ray questions jolt your mind awake. You’ll be better for it.