What we’re about
London Stoics is for anyone interested in the philosophy of Stoicism seeking to cultivate excellence of character.
Members are invited to consult the primary sources: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Seneca's Letters and Epictetus' Enchiridion and Discourses .
We are part of the Stoic Fellowship, an international community fostering the knowledge and practice of Stoicism through in-person and online events.
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Check out London Stoics on BBC Radio 2
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Book 10: Part 1 of 2Bunhill Fields Meeting House, London£8.50
- register on Meetup to attend
- arrive before 3pm
- read the Book before session
- review the Questions
Book 10 - Part 1 - verses 1-18
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_IX
Reading Time - 12 minutes
Knowledge of prior Books is not required
Gregory Hays translation used in session
Meditations is 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, readers and philosophers throughout the centuries:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus
Questions we'll explore
1. Everything that happens is either endurable or not. If it’s endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining. If it’s unendurable . . . then stop complaining. Your destruction will mean its end as well. Just remember: you can endure anything your mind can make endurable, by treating it as in your interest to do so. (3)
What do you make of this?
2. If they’ve made a mistake, correct them gently and show them where they went wrong. If you can’t do that, then the blame lies with you. Or no one. (4)
Discuss
3. What people say or think about him, or how they treat him, isn’t something he worries about. Only these two questions: Is what he’s doing now the right thing to be doing? Does he accept and welcome what he’s been assigned? (11a)
What is the lesson?
4. Nature gives and nature takes away. Anyone with sense and humility will tell her, “Give and take as you please,” not out of defiance, but out of obedience and goodwill. (14)
Do you agree or disagree?
5. Bear in mind that everything that exists is already fraying at the edges, and in transition, subject to fragmentation and to rot. Or that everything was born to die. (18)
What are the implications?
To fund the room hire and Meetup subscription £8.50 is payable in advance.
To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled. Refunds exclude Meetup/PayPal fees.
If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.
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 do not Edit RSVP to "Not going", and are a no show, you will be removed from the Group and can rejoin after 3 months.
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Book 10: Part 2 of 2Bunhill Fields Meeting House, London£8.50
- register on Meetup to attend
- arrive before 3pm
- read the Book before session
- review the Questions
Book 10 - Part 1 - verses 19-38
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_IX
Reading Time - 11 minutes
Knowledge of prior Books is not required
Gregory Hays translation used in session
Meditations is 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, readers and philosophers throughout the centuries:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus
Questions we'll explore
- Possibilities:
i. To keep on living (you should be used to it by now)
ii. To end it (it was your choice, after all)
iii. To die (having met your obligations)
(22)
Are these the only options?
What is the reason for optimism?2. To feel grief or anger or fear is to become a fugitive—a fugitive from justice. (25)
Discuss
3. People who feel hurt and resentment: picture them as the pig at the sacrifice, kicking and squealing all the way.(28)
What is the lesson?
4. None of us have much time. And yet you act as if things were eternal—the way you fear and long for them. . . .(34)
Why does this happen?
5. It doesn’t matter how good a life you’ve led. There’ll still be people standing around the bed who will welcome the sad event. (36)
How do you feel about this?
To fund the room hire and Meetup subscription £8.50 is payable in advance.
To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled. Refunds exclude Meetup/PayPal fees.
If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.
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 do not Edit RSVP to "Not going", and are a no show, you will be removed from the Group and can rejoin after 3 months.
