In these days of instant gratification and shortcuts, it seems that thinking and speaking are becoming lost arts. The question arises as to whether philosophy has either been forgotten or is simply being ignored. How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero (Ancient Wisdom Book 6) by Dr. Neel Burton tackles this topic head-on, calling for a renaissance. He uses Plato, the renowned Greek philosopher, and Cicero, who was celebrated as the greatest Roman orator, as prime examples of those with the ability to think and speak effectively. Thinking and speaking should be synonymous, but rarely are. The author points out that thinking is the province of philosophy, while speaking inclines toward psychology. Thought is fundamental to our being and requires an inquiring mind, while speaking harnesses the power of words. The correct choice is essential, as words mean different things to different people. To be a great speaker, you must first be a good thinker. The book covers a wide range of related topics that include logic, observation, deduction, and reasoning, which will ultimately lead to wisdom. These are negated by the less desirable products of our minds, which can be swayed by emotions and feelings. The role of the ego, cognitive bias, and conformity also plays a part. It becomes a clash of facts versus opinions, belief systems, and paradigms. How much do we know?

Dr. Neel Burton is a noted psychiatrist, philosopher, academic, and author who offers a unique view that combines his expertise in these fields into a cohesive whole. He takes readers back to ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration, but there are quotes from Churchill and more recent public figures to add variety. How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero is much more than a discourse on improving our cognitive and oratory skills, although these are well covered. It encapsulates a history of public speaking and philosophy to add depth, while providing a comprehensive introduction to the evolution of both topics. The various schools of philosophy are also explained. The author poses many questions regarding knowledge and the quest for it. Science does not provide all the answers, as it is fixed in its ways and not open to new thinking. A further issue is whether the average citizen can comprehend, conceptualize, or formulate complex propositions. The starting point must be self-knowledge. By the author’s observation, those readers who are drawn to this book will be far from average due to the intellectual nature of the subject matter. Nevertheless, the author keeps the writing concise and accessible, proving to be both insightful and thought-provoking. Aristotle’s thoughts on politics round off an outstanding book that is highly recommended.

How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero by Neel Burton leans into key aspects of philosophy, logic, rhetoric, and cognitive biases. Burton explains Aristotle's theory of propositions and syllogisms, talking about their structure and logical relations. He speaks on ego defenses, errors in reasoning, and discusses their impact on decision-making. He also covers the nature of knowledge, intuition, and imagination, noting their roles in perception and creativity. Burton's work offers an analysis of the significance of rhetoric, particularly through figures like Cicero, and talks about key rhetorical devices and strategies. Burton's writing on the importance of timing (kairos) and the structure of speeches is matched with guidance on persuasive communication. Through these discussions, Burton aims to amplify critical thinking and effective communication, drawing from classical philosophical traditions.

Neel Burton’s How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero delivers a fantastically accessible path to mastering both intellectual reasoning and persuasive speech. Burton’s writing stands out for its clarity and intelligent but conversational style, walking the walk with his advice and breaking down more complicated philosophical concepts so they are understandable. Because that's the point, right? I like that his sections on rhetorical strategies and their historical context show us how they can, and how we should, apply these principles in modern discourse. Unlike many other books in the genre, Burton’s approach is balanced. We can all learn to speak persuasively without people wondering why we didn't put on a chiton and cloak. His analysis of ancient orators is the foundation, but connecting the skill to speakers like Obama is how it is made relatable. Whether you're a novice or someone already knee-deep in debate, this is a guide for everyone. Very highly recommended.

How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero, part of the Ancient Wisdom series, offers an excellent introduction to philosophy, logic, and rhetoric. Dr Neel Burton, a philosopher and psychiatrist, presents a surprisingly engaging and relevant look at the wisdom of the ancients that I wish I had had in college. In Part One, he reviews inductive and deductive reasoning, logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and self-deception, as well as explains the importance of the many components of thought, including knowledge, science, intuition, and imagination. In Part Two, he turns to speech, providing a brief history of rhetoric and persuasion, ending with organizational strategies for public speaking and suggestions for preparation, including common pitfalls to avoid.

What I appreciated about the book was Dr Burton’s ability to make his subject meaningful and interesting to a modern reader like me. For instance, many of his explanations use popular culture as examples, such as the television series Friends. I also appreciated his remarks about how scientists often cannot think divergently or creatively, despite their education. However, most meaningful for me were the connections the author made about how intuition and logic work together to create better thinking, two facets of communication that are often considered mutually exclusive. Such wisdom of the ancients may very well help our modern world think and communicate in better ways for the good of all. I highly recommend How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero as an accessible and thought-provoking guide to logic and rhetoric.

In How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero, author Neel Burton writes that the two skills are intertwined; both must be present to achieve maximum benefit for individuals who want to positively influence the world. The book’s first section, How to Think, begins with a history of argumentation. Burton then explains what logical arguments and their opposite, logical fallacies, are. With that background, Burton writes about mistakes that people commonly make in their thinking and how to overcome them. In the second section, How to Speak, Burton gives the history of communication. He writes about the most effective ways to influence our listeners. In both sections, there are numerous examples of effective and ineffective thinking and speaking. Chapter titles in the “How to Think” section include Arguments, Fallacies, Reason, and more. In the book’s second part, “How to Speak,” Burton writes about Rhetorical Devices, Opening and Closing, Planning and Preparing, and other topics.

How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero by Neel Burton is powerful, effective, and well-written. I learned an enormous amount of information, but also how to practically apply that information to everyday scenarios. I especially liked Burton’s point that some people will not be able to understand logical reasoning. He writes that arguing with them is futile. That point is eminently useful in today’s world. Anyone who wants to learn how to reason well, wants to learn when and how to speak well, and most importantly, combine the two skills to become an effective influencer should read this book. Those who absorb this information will become much more effective not only at presenting their arguments, but positively influencing those with whom they’re communicating. So read this book and learn to become a more successful thinker and influencer.