Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and author, dives into the life and teachings of Socrates, history's greatest philosopher. He explains the essence of the Socratic method and its relevance today, particularly in self-reflection and critical thinking. Listeners learn about Socrates' approach to politics, virtue, and personal integrity, as well as the psychological implications of his ideas. Robertson also discusses the writing challenges he faced when documenting Socrates' life amid the Peloponnesian War, revealing creative insights into ancient philosophy.
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insights INSIGHT
Socrates: The Jimi Hendrix of Philosophy
Socrates relentlessly pursued philosophical discussions, prioritizing them above all else.
He engaged with diverse individuals, from intellectuals to everyday people, demonstrating a commitment to exploring life's big questions.
insights INSIGHT
Sources on Socrates
Most of what we know about Socrates comes from Plato's dialogues and Xenophon's writings, both students of Socrates.
These sources, while potentially embellished, offer valuable insights into his character and teachings.
insights INSIGHT
Socrates' Influence
Socrates was influential because he brought philosophy down to earth, applying it to everyday life.
He used the Socratic method to question assumptions about morality, making him a controversial yet impactful figure.
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In 'How to Think Like Socrates', Donald J. Robertson masterfully recreates the setting and powerful ideas of ancient Athens, introducing modern readers to the birth of philosophy through the figure of Socrates. The book combines philosophy, history, and psychotherapy, highlighting the practicality of Socratic self-examination and rational reflection for a fulfilling life. It explores Socratic dialogues and their connection to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emphasizing the importance of questioning assumptions to alleviate distress and foster emotional well-being. The book is praised for its engaging narrative and innovative approach, making it highly accessible and recommended for those interested in philosophy and self-improvement[2][4][5].
Socrates in Love
The Making of a Philosopher
Armand D'Angour
In this book, Armand D'Angour delves into the life of Socrates, challenging common myths and presenting a new perspective on how Socrates became the philosopher he is known for. The book focuses on the influence of Aspasia of Miletus, a brilliant and educated woman, who is argued to be the real-life inspiration behind the character of Diotima in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour uses neglected sources to portray Socrates as a young man who was transformed by his experiences, including his love for Aspasia, into the philosopher who laid the foundations of Western philosophy. The book provides a detailed account of Socrates' life, correcting misperceptions and offering a historically grounded portrait of the man behind the philosophy.
Stone's rules
How to Win at Politics, Business, and Style
Roger Stone
In this book, Roger Stone shares his lessons on punking liberals and playing the media, gives an inside look at his push to legalize marijuana, details sartorial advice, and reveals culinary secrets like his legendary Sunday Gravy. The book is a blend of practical advice on campaign management, internet mobilization, and personal style, inspired by figures like Winston Churchill and Sun Tzu. Stone’s Rules were immortalized in the Netflix documentary Get Me Roger Stone and offer a highly entertaining and practical guide for navigating the rough-and-tumble worlds of business, finance, politics, and life.
On Anger
Seneca
Aubrey Stewart
In 'On Anger,' Seneca the Younger provides a thoughtful and instructive analysis of anger, laying bare its roots and exposing its many faces. The essay guides the reader through a series of reflections on understanding the cause of anger and learning how to control it. Seneca argues that anger is a powerful and destructive emotion that can harm the person experiencing it more than others, and he offers practical advice on how to manage and overcome it. The work remains relevant today, offering wisdom and eloquence on a complex emotion that has been a part of human experience since ancient times.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, an author and an expert on ancient philosophy.
If you were to divide philosophy into two eras, it would be pre-Socratic and post-Socratic. Socrates is history's greatest philosopher, and today we get to discover new lessons about his life and his teachings.
Expect to learn the benefits of thinking like Socrates, why he was so influential, what the Socratic method actually is, the hidden gem lessons from Socrates on how to live a good life, the insane story of how he died and much more…
Modern Wisdom 
