Living the Herculean Way: Review of How to Think Like Socrates

The Herculean Way was always envisioned as way of thinking through what might be a roadmap for living the “good life”. In a world full of distraction and instant gratifications, an age of individualism and materialism, to be self-reflective about how spends their limited time on this planet seems more important than ever before. However, as we know what the “good life” is and how one lives it, has been a quest since time immemorial including the quest for philosophers from Ancient Greece. We can find valuable guidance on these matters in the wisdom of Socrates which The Herculean Way has done before. So, when I stumbled upon How to Think Like Socrates by Donald J. Robertson, I set about reading it and aligning it with the ideas of this website. Below is a summary of the book and how it applies to living the Herculean way.

The Structure of How to Think Like Socrates

How to Think Like Socrates is structured around several key themes, each designed to help readers engage with Socratic principles in a practical way. Through accessible exercises and thought experiments, the book invites readers to apply Socratic thinking to their daily lives:

1. The Power of the Question – This section introduces the Socratic method, where asking the right questions is key to uncovering deeper truths. It encourages readers to challenge assumptions and engage in meaningful dialogue—fundamental to critical thinking and intellectual growth.

2. The Examined Life – Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” This section urges readers to reflect on their lives and beliefs, to live authentically, and to embrace self-reflection as a daily practice.

3. Virtue and Happiness – For Socrates, virtue was the path to happiness. This section explores how aligning daily actions with virtues like wisdom, courage, and moderation leads to a fulfilling life. It’s a crucial part of the book, connecting ethics with personal well-being.

4. The Role of the Body – Socrates saw a healthy body as essential for a healthy mind. This section explores how maintaining physical health supports intellectual clarity and overall well-being, linking mind-body connection to a virtuous life.

5. Public Service and Moral Duty – Socrates believed in contributing to the common good. This section discusses how serving others—whether through volunteering, activism, or everyday actions—helps us live a virtuous life and fulfill our moral duties.

6. Delaying Gratification – The final section addresses delayed gratification, a principle central to Socratic thought. It emphasizes the importance of choosing long-term fulfillment over short-term pleasures, a practice essential in today’s culture of instant rewards.

   
   

Socratic Wisdom for Living the Herculean Way

How to Think Like Socrates connects these ancient ideas to contemporary concerns, especially in areas like nutrition, exercise, self-reflection, and service.

1. Nutrition and Moderation – Socrates advocated for balance and self-control, and this is reflected in the book’s approach to eating. It encourages readers to practice moderation in all things, particularly food. Mindful eating is not just about avoiding excess but about fostering clarity of mind and physical well-being.

2. Exercise and the Strong Body – The book connects Socratic principles with modern practices of physical health. Socrates believed that a healthy body supports a healthy mind, and the book encourages readers to integrate regular exercise into their routines, not just for physical appearance but for mental clarity and resilience.

3. Self-Reflection and Wisdom – Central to Socratic philosophy is the idea that wisdom begins with self-examination. The book includes exercises that prompt readers to reflect on their actions and beliefs, cultivating the habit of introspection to better understand their motivations and align their actions with their deeper values.

4. Public Service and Moral Duty – For Socrates, living virtuously meant contributing to the greater good. How to Think Like Socrates encourages readers to engage in public service, whether through volunteering or activism. It prompts us to reflect on how we can use our virtues to benefit others, aligning personal fulfillment with the well-being of the community.

   
   

Delayed Gratification and the Good Life

One of the key principles emphasized in the book is delayed gratification which is also a core tenet of The Herculean Way. In a world where instant pleasure often trumps (no pun intended) long-term fulfillment, Socrates believed that true happiness requires patience and discipline. The book explores how we can resist short-term temptations to pursue more meaningful, lasting goals—whether in health, finances, or relationships. This practice of self-restraint is central to living a life of virtue, as Socrates argued that the good life isn’t about immediate gratification but about cultivating long-term fulfillment. As we know, healthiness is a continuous journey and one that requires sacrifice, hard work and application. What I was reminded of again and again reading this book is that philosophically Socrates, and his pupils Plato and Aristotle, deeply held to the belief that the good life was found in the journey not the outcome.

Conclusion: A Practical Guide to the Good Life

How to Think Like Socrates provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for living the good life through the lens of Socratic philosophy. The book emphasizes the importance of self-examination, moderation, and service, offering valuable tools for applying these principles in our modern world. By integrating wisdom into daily life—through mindful eating, regular exercise, self-reflection, and contributing to the common good—we can live in alignment with the virtues Socrates championed and which The Herculean Way fosters.

For anyone seeking a deeper, more meaningful life, this book offers a valuable guide to thinking critically, living virtuously, and embracing the Socratic ideal of living an examined life. Through these timeless practices, we can all strive toward a good life—one that is thoughtful, disciplined, and focused on long-term fulfilment which together are the basis of living the Herculean Way.