• The Socrates Express

  • In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers
  • By: Eric Weiner
  • Narrated by: Eric Weiner
  • Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (408 ratings)

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The Socrates Express  By  cover art

The Socrates Express

By: Eric Weiner
Narrated by: Eric Weiner
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Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling author of The Geography of Bliss embarks on a rollicking intellectual journey, following in the footsteps of history’s greatest thinkers and showing us how each - from Epicurus to Gandhi, Thoreau to Beauvoir - offers practical and spiritual lessons for today’s unsettled times.

We turn to philosophy for the same reasons we travel: to see the world from a dif­ferent perspective, to unearth hidden beauty, and to find new ways of being. We want to learn how to embrace wonder. Face regrets. Sustain hope.

Eric Weiner combines his twin passions for philosophy and travel in a globe-trotting pil­grimage that uncovers surprising life lessons from great thinkers around the world, from Rousseau to Nietzsche, Confucius to Simone Weil. Traveling by train (the most thoughtful mode of transport), he journeys thousands of miles, making stops in Athens, Delhi, Wyoming, Coney Island, Frankfurt, and points in between to recon­nect with philosophy’s original purpose: teaching us how to lead wiser, more meaningful lives. From Socrates and ancient Athens to Beauvoir and 20th-century Paris, Weiner’s chosen philosophers and places provide important practical and spiritual lessons as we navigate today’s chaotic times.

In a “delightful” odyssey that “will take you places intellectually and humorously” (San Francisco Book Review), Weiner invites us to voyage alongside him on his life-changing pursuit of wisdom and discovery as he attempts to find answers to our most vital questions. The Socrates Express is “full of valuable lessons...a fun, sharp book that draws readers in with its apparent simplicity and bubble-gum philosophy approach and gradually pulls them in deeper and deeper” (NPR).

©2020 Eric Weiner (P)2020 Simon & Schuster

What listeners say about The Socrates Express

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An approachable take on philosophy

I do not have a background in philosophy. I have heard a philosopher speak exactly once for about 30 minutes in my entire life. This book was a great introduction not only to the thinking of several great philosophers, but into how those philosophies might be practically applied to my day-to-day life, or at least my thinking. Weiner takes a lofty subject and makes it both relatable and practical. The reading is pleasant to listen to.

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9 people found this helpful

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Great for the philosophy curious!!

So funny, yet thought provoking & insightful. Fun for people who love philosophy and those who don’t know they love it YET!! I think I’ll listen to this again & again.

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Great audio book!

Just buy it... you definitely won't regret it! Great stories and insight into brilliant philosophical minds. Excited to listen to it again and take notes this time.

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Great book!

Loved it! my personal favorites were the stories about having philosophical conversations with his 13 year old daughter!

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An eye opening guided tour through Philosophy

Eric Weiner has done something incredibly in presenting a curated mix of philosophies contextualized by the stories of their founding and the lives of their founders.

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Not too heady, not too light.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. A great introduction to the big concepts of heavy-weight philosophical thinkers, packaged within a narrative about travel.

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Thoughtful

A great introduction to the world of philosophy. Eric Weiner brings to life the thought processes of many great philosophers. He simplifies, where possible, but leaves room for you to take your own lessons from deep, historical, and some not so historical thoughts. An amazing feat to turn 14 years of in depth research and travel into just 12 hours of thought provoking wonder.

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Muy bien libro.

Pone la filosofía al alcance de todos. Me está gustando como conecta con los filósofos y los humaniza

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hey hey

This is my new review and it's working out great. hope you loke this book

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Wisdom, Wit and Warmth

I absolutely LOVED this book — just what I needed in this time of anxiety and uncertainty (a pandemic, political zaniness, etc). Eric Weiner is a reassuring, witty and worldly companion who takes us on his quest around the world (damn, have I missed being able to travel!) Experiencing wonder and gaining wisdom with a down-to-earth guide (and exceptional writer) was a welcome joy and absolute delight.

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16 people found this helpful