Summary of Ronald Gross's Socrates' Way

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview: #1 Socrates would often visit the marketplace in Athens, where he would talk with his friends and clients. He would ask them questions about their lives, and they would usually respond that they knew themselves very well.#2 Socrates was the first to apply critical thinking to the challenges of human life and society. He urged people to start by examining their interests, values, and capabilities. He did not rely on revelation or conventional wisdom, but on reason and dialogue.#3 Socrates first lesson for us is that we can do what he did, and we must do that if we want to master our minds to the utmost. To achieve self-mastery and insight requires a lifelong regimen of asking questions, thinking things through, and caring for your soul.#4 Socrates urges Euthydemus to critically examine the conventional wisdom of his culture. He also encourages him to identify and fully benefit from the mentors he has already had in his life.