Known also as ‘The Economist’. This is an ancient Greek text written by Xenophon around 360 BC.

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Despite being an ancient text with much scholarly interest - like most ancient Greek texts - it is very accessible. It is easy to read and understand, even though the concepts discussed herein are weighty. It is written as a dialogue between Socrates and Critoboulus. They discuss the ideal way to run a household.  

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The book is interesting for two reasons. First of all, the book is historically interesting. We learn a lot about the beliefs and values of Ancient Greek society. It is rare to have such a work that discusses the values of a people from the past - in their own words, using their own concepts. This book is a window into a past time and place. We learn a lot about their family structures; the gender roles; the economics; parenting and the education of children. In addition to this ‘invaluable value’, the book is interesting for another reason. It is the only socratic dialogue that we have (written by a contemporary of Socrates who knew him personally) that was not written by Plato. We see one of humanity’s most important persons from a different perspective.

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Do not think however that this book only has scholarly interest. This is a book of philosophy. It is an invitation to think deeply about  the important matters of socio-political organisation; family; and what it means to be a person and a citizen. This book will benefit any thinker who wants to engage with other great thinkers. The ideas expounded are very different from our own today, but that is even more reason to read them and engage with them. What better way to understand yourself and your society is there than to step outside it and look at it from a new point of view.

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This rare book is a treasure for human culture. It is an opportunity to step into the past, to see our ancestors, and all the while to better see ourselves.