Reading rank 268
Socrates: A Man for Our Times
, subject: Socrates, 2011
Paul Johnson's Socrates makes a case for being suspicious of the obvious, alongside a man finding his calling and questions of agency, ambition and endurance.
67
Coverage Score
3
Scored evidence
About the book
Because Socrates left no writings, Johnson relies on others' testimony and treats Plato as trustworthy early on and less so as Plato's own ideas took over. A reviewer called it a succinct, useful account.
Why read it
Best if you want a way into Socrates, or you suspect some obvious assumptions in your own work, or your sense of calling, deserve harder questioning.
Key themes
- Be suspicious of the obvious
- A calling is found, not assumed
- Ambition needs agency and endurance
Evidence and original sources
Source: official Founders episode — #252
This record is supported by 8 public evidence rows linked to original Founders episodes.
- Socrates — This episode is centered on this book.