Acclaimed historian and best-selling author Paul Johnson's books have been translated into dozens of languages. In Socrates: A Man for Our Times, Johnson draws from little-known resources to construct a fascinating account of one of history's greatest thinkers. Socrates transcended class limitations in Athens during the fifth century B.C. to develop ideas that still shape the way we think about the human body and soul, including the workings of the human mind.
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"If you're like me and most of what you know about Socrates you learned from Bill and Ted, you might want to read this book. (BTW, the scene where Billy the Kid and Socrates try to pick up girls in the mall food court rings true to the man described by Paul Johnson)" — Craig (4 out of 5 stars)
"If you're like me and most of what you know about Socrates you learned from Bill and Ted, you might want to read this book. (BTW, the scene where Billy the Kid and Socrates try to pick up girls in the mall food court rings true to the man described by Paul Johnson)"
“Spectacular...A delight to read.”
“Robust.”
“An admirably concise view of the philosopher’s methods and rhetorical tactics in exploring courage, moral purity, and mortality.”
“A succinct, useful exploration of life in ancient Athens and of the great philosopher’s essential beliefs.”
" "Socrates was the first to call Philosphy down from the skies, and establish her in the towns". I look forward to reading another book about Socrates - who knows what road it will take me. "
" Just the right size of book to learn about Socrates, his life, the trial against him and how he died and his positive effect on morality, his views of dying and the after life "
" Very quick read - a biographical panegyric on Socrates, founder of Western philosophy, and culture and thought, etc., etc. "
" Audio -- many centuries later Socrates is described as a charasmatic teacher. "
" It's always disheartening when a scholar of Mr. Johnson's caliber infuses his Christian ideals and perspectives into a study of a vastly important philosopher such as Socrates. It doesn't belong there. "
" Good biography. The author makes sure the historical context is part of the story. "
" A biography, rather than a philosophical study. Verges on hero worship, but is actually pretty good in his insistence on distinguishing Socrates, as the most social of men, and Plato, as theorist and academic.. "
" Despite a slow start, this is a good read, particularly when he tries to tease out the differences between Socrates and Plato. Perhaps the second half of the book would make a worthy addition to an Introduction to Philosophy course. "
" Philosophy personified. "
" Good book over the life of this wonderful person that made many ideas come to the minds of people today. "
" A biographical account of Socrates for the general reader and not Philosophy students. "
" not great like Jaeger's Paideia but worthy and a good read. I have the NOOK version "
" Short and interesting read. "
" A fairly scholarly but basic look at Socrates, his life, his philosophy, and his impact. Not bad, but not very deep. "
" OK-ish short look at Socrates. Not really a biography in the strictest sense--much more of review of Socrates' life and ideas that tries to put him in the context of times. As such, probably better for those who are really familiar with Socrates and looking for some new ways to view him. "
Paul Johnson, British author and historian, is the author of many books, including Modern Times, A History of the Jews, Intellectuals, The Birth of the Modern, and The Quest for God, which have been translated into many languages. He has been a frequent contributor to the Daily Telegraph, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Spectator, and other newspapers and magazines. He has lectured to academic, business, and political audiences all over the world.
John Curless is a theater, film, and television actor. He has appeared on Broadway in Journeys End, The Sound of Music, and The King and I and off-Broadway in Passion Play, Comic Potential, and The Entertainer. His film and television credits include Vibrations, Ed, and NYPD Blue. His audiobook narrations have been awarded two AudioFile Earphones Awards.
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