How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World

Socratic principles can help people live more fully and freely, according to this energetic “semi-fictional” account of the philosopher’s life. Enriching Socrates’s dialogues with narration and historical detail, psychotherapist Robertson (How to Think Like a Roman Emperor) draws philosophical lessons that connect to modern-day therapeutic concepts. For example, he relates a dialogue in which Socrates proposed that humans combat “ignorance of ourselves” by studying their own character through their “reflection” in others to the practice of illeism, where therapy patients refer “to [their] own thoughts and actions as if [they] were talking about those of someone else” in order to boost self-awareness. Elsewhere, the author presents a dialogue where Socrates argues that “knowledge can overcome pain or pleasures” and outlines a “rational theory of passions” that weighs present desires against the longer-term consequences of one’s actions, similar to the cost-benefit analysis method used by cognitive behavioral therapists. Robertson draws incisive links between modern psychotherapy to 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. (Nov.)