How To Think Like Socrates by Donald J. Robertson

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.  The following review expresses my own personal opinion. I have not been asked to post it by the author, the publishing company, or anyone connected with the book or author.

 

Donald J. Robertson’s How to Think Like Socrates ambitiously sets out to explore the philosophical tools and teachings of one of history’s greatest minds. Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and respected voice in the Stoic tradition, brings clarity and historical depth to Socrates’ method of questioning, moral reasoning, and intellectual courage. But does the book deliver a focused exploration of Socratic wisdom? Not entirely.

 

The book excels in its historical detail, vividly reconstructing ancient Athens and its political and intellectual currents. Robertson thoughtfully unpacks segments of Socrates’ life, his unrelenting pursuit of truth, and the art of dialogue that challenged the assumptions of his day—offering readers glimpses of how we, too, might engage with the world more thoughtfully.

 

However, Robertson’s background as a psychotherapist at times becomes a double-edged sword. While his clinical insights into the links between Socratic philosophy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are informative, they often weigh down the narrative. For readers seeking to understand Socrates as a guide for living a more noble, reflective life—without the clinical framing—these detours risk causing disconnects. This added layer, though relevant to modern psychology, feels misaligned with the book’s promise of helping readers “think like Socrates” in practical, philosophical terms.

 

Compounding this is Robertson’s tendency to stray into lengthy descriptions of military campaigns and Athenian politics. While these passages are meticulously researched, they draw attention away from Socrates himself. The book, at times, feels more like a history of Athens than an in-depth study of Socratic wisdom.

 

Writers like Ryan Holiday have demonstrated how ancient philosophy can offer clear, actionable insights for navigating modern life. In contrast, Robertson misses opportunities to translate Socratic ideas into relatable, everyday examples. By lingering too long on the clinical and historical, he dilutes the immediacy of Socrates’ teachings for a broader audience.

 

How to Think Like Socrates is a well-written, deeply researched work, but it falters in staying true to its premise. Readers new to Stoicism or hoping for a clearer roadmap to apply Socratic thought in their lives may find the book uneven and occasionally inaccessible. For history enthusiasts or those with an interest in CBT, however, it offers a unique perspective.

 

My rating: 3 stars.