Sense of live

Dan Millman

The Journeys of Socrates – This book was written 15 years after Way of the Peaceful Warrior in 2005 and it is prequel to this book. This book is about Dan’s mentor Sergei Ivanov (Socrates).

Had I not been interested in Russian martial arts, Russian Orthodoxy and the era of the story, this book would have been a two star. I can say that it is well-written, and that it does flow easy and can be read in a day (even one long sitting). It’s a little predictable, but it does have its positives. The role of the monk-warrior is of interest to me and Millman’s description was believable and engaging. In particular I found the tie-in of Russian fighting arts with their unique styles and training methods to be a great touch.
Even so, I know other readers wonder where this new history of Socrates came from, which is an understandable thought. What I think happened, and this is where his critics have a point (although I love the direction Millman’s heading), is that he discovered Vladimir Vasiliev’s fighting system and philosophy, which is in part rooted in Russian Orthodox Christianity, and he then decided to write the history of Socrates to fit into this mold. It is my favorite part of the plot, but it may seen disconnected from the New Agers that so love his other works. I don’t see them as mutually exclusive on the whole, but I can see how it could be odd.
On the whole, a quick read that adds depth to Socrates and may introduce you to some new ideas and history. Enjoy!

From amazon (reader’s review)

Books of Dan Millman