Ep. 66 - Donald Robertson - How To Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy For The Modern World

Donald Robertson is an author, ancient philosophy expert, and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. In his latest book, "How To Think Like Socrates", Donald builds on his previous work on Stoicism and lifts the lid on Socrates, the world's greatest philosopher. Given that Socrates lived 2500 years ago, what advice would he give out today? What would he conclude from our money and status driven culture? What would he advise us on our fears of death? What would be his thoughts on escaping the hedonic treadmill? Donald expounds the Socratic method, it's purpose and how we can use it to enhance our lives and clarify our thoughts. We discuss that, and so much more in this episode. Including Socrates's workout routine, why he walked around without shoes, if there is a connection between manual labour and deep thought, and if the unexamined life is truly not worth living. Buy "How To Think Like Socrates": https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Think-Like-Socrates-Philosophy/dp/1250280508 Donald's Website: https://donaldrobertson.name/ Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe.reilly/?hl=en Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeReillyPodcast 0:00 - 0:29 - Introduction  0:29 - 06:15 - Why Did Socrates Wear No Shoes 06:15 - 13:00 - Did He Actually Exist?  13:00 - 18:00 - Is There A Link Between Manual Labour & Deep Thought?  18:00 - 26:50 - Socrates Advise On Chasing Wealth & Fame  26:50 - 29:03 - The Most Important Thing In Socrates Eyes  29:03 - 38:04 - What Stoics Got Wrong  38:04 - 47:01 - How Do You Become Wise?  47:01 - 51:20   Know Thyself  51:20 - 57:40 - What Modern Philosophers Got Wrong  57:40 - Friends vs. Sheep  1:02:00 - 1:06:21 - Why Socrates Didn’t Like Books  1:06:21 - 1:16:25 - Socrates on Death  1:16:25 - Socrates Workout Routine 1:20:40 - Do We Really Need To Examine Life?  1:27:15 - 1:39:49 - What Alexander the Great Got Wrong