What we’re about
London Stoics is for anyone interested in the philosophy of Stoicism, which aims to cultivate excellence of character.
Members are invited to consult the primary sources: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Seneca's Letters and Epictetus' Enchiridion and Discourses .
London Stoics is part of the Stoic Fellowship, an international community fostering the knowledge and practice of Stoicism through in-person and online events.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Book 6: Part 1 of 2Barbican Cinema Café & Bar, London£5.00
Book 6 - Part 1 - verses 1-30
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_VI
Reading Time - 13 minutes
Knowledge of prior Books is not required
Gregory Hays translation recommended
Meditations remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others.
Explore this timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by leaders, thinkers and readers throughout the centuries:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus
Questions we'll explore
- Because dying, too, is one of our assignments in life.
There as well: "to do what needs doing."
How do you interpret the last part? - Should you latch onto things and pierce through them to see what they really are?
How would you go about this and what are the consequences? - We need to excuse what our sparring partners do, and just keep our distance - without suspicion or hatred.
Discuss - Fight to be the person philosophy tried to make you.
What does this mean for you and how is this working out so far? - What can you do now so when your time comes your conscience will be as clear as Antoninus'?
Instructions
- arrive by 3pm
- read the Book before session
- review the Questions
To fund the Meetup subscription a £5 fee is payable in advance.
To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled.
If the event is full, please check this Meetup page on the day of the event, as a spot may become available if there is a late cancellation.
If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.
- Because dying, too, is one of our assignments in life.
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Book 6: Part 2 of 2Barbican Cinema Café & Bar, London£5.00
Book 6 - Part 2 - verses 31-59
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_VI
Reading Time - 13 minutes
Knowledge of prior Books is not required
Gregory Hays translation recommended
Meditations remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others.
Explore this timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by leaders, thinkers and readers throughout the centuries:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus
Questions we'll explore
- It’s normal to feel pain in your hands and feet, if you’re using your feet as feet and your hands as hands. And for a human being to feel stress is normal—if he’s living a normal human life. And if it’s normal, how can it be bad?
Discuss - If you’ve seen the present then you’ve seen everything—as it’s been since the beginning, as it will be forever. The same substance, the same form. All of it.
How true is this? - If we limited “good” and “bad” to our own actions, we’d have no call to challenge God, or to treat other people as enemies.
What are the implications? - To live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don’t.
Is there anything else that isn’t worthless? - You don’t have to turn this into something. It doesn’t have to upset you.
If things can’t shape our decisions by themselves what does? - No one can keep you from living as your nature requires. Nothing can happen to you that is not required by Nature.
Do you agree or disagree?
Instructions
- arrive by 3pm
- read the Book before session
- review the Questions
To fund the Meetup subscription a £5 fee is payable in advance.
To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled.
If the event is full, please check this Meetup page on the day of the event, as a spot may become available if there is a late cancellation.
If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.
- It’s normal to feel pain in your hands and feet, if you’re using your feet as feet and your hands as hands. And for a human being to feel stress is normal—if he’s living a normal human life. And if it’s normal, how can it be bad?
