What we're about

In our world of instant gratification, constant stimulation, and endless distractions, Stoicism offers a novel perspective on life. Interested in developing an unconquerable mind? Stoicism has the answers.

We also link ideas to Buddhism, Taoism, Existentialism, Minimalism, and other "lived philosophy" systems. We love in-depth discussions!

Defining 'Stoicism': it's an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded about 300 BC in Athens. The first teacher was Zeno of Citium. The school taught that virtue (the highest good) is based on knowledge, and that wise people live in harmony with nature. The school also taught tolerance and self-control.

The goals of our group:
1. Read the canon (the classic books) plus books on Modern Stoicism.
2. Discuss Stoicism in the media, pop culture, and literature.
3. Compare recurring themes in Stoicism to history, religion, and psychology.

There have always been people attracted to Stoicism. It was a major influence on Shakespeare, for example, and in more recent times on people including JD Salinger, Tom Wolfe, and Nelson Mandela.

It’s also attracted political and military leaders, such as Frederick the Great, President Bill Clinton, and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who said he read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations over 100 times.

We hope you will join us. Stoicism helps cope with life's stresses and retain your ethics & principles. We also learn to simplify our lives by using concepts from Buddhism and Minimalism.

We have 3 meetups per week (Mondays, Fridays, Sundays). All are online. We hope to see you soon.

Upcoming events (4+)

ONLINE: "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday (Part 11)

Link visible for attendees

This is the Friday night meeting for Orlando Stoics. It's online.

This series covers Ryan Holiday's influential book "The Obstacle is the Way" -- it has many good lessons for improving our minds in the modern age. We will divide the book into 12 sections (manageable pieces). Hope you can join us!

Here are the dates and the major sections we will cover:
1-13 Discipline of perception
1-20 Control your emotions
1-27 Living in the present
2-03 Finding the opportunity
2-10 Discipline of action
2-17 Follow the process
2-24 What's right is what works
3-03 Channel your energy
3-10 Discipline of the will
3-17 Love everything that happens
3-24 Meditate on your mortality
3-31 Finale!

Reading Material

Reading in advance is optional. StoicDan will collect the best items for starting the discussion each week.

Amazon: The Obstacle is the Way (Ryan Holiday)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G3L1B8K

Time

Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific

For our international friends,
Please convert time with the free tool
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

Zoom Info

CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86559843870

If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID[masked]#
[masked] US (Chicago)
[masked] US (New York)
[masked] US (Houston)
[masked] US (San Jose)
[masked] US
[masked] US

In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in all aspects of our lives. We will discuss how Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.

This event is free and open to the public.

New Lecture: “Liquid Modernity in a Gig Economy”

Link visible for attendees

This is a new Sunday lecture. Meeting starts 9:00AM with friendly conversation, and then the lecture starts 9:15AM. A discussion will follow.

Continuing our recent discussion on liquid modernity, this Sunday we will expand our scope on how careers are changing. For example, we might have multiple jobs or ‘gigs’, so switching roles is common, plus we are working more years in life. We will explore how this affects core values and identity. Are we adopting values that are socially acceptable? Will these values change over time?

In considering how society has changed in the last 50 years, we might also consider our own personal and professional values. What were their origins? Were they swayed by social influences? We’ll present some ideas by Stephanie Coontz, author / editor of many books on American culture and its changes.

We’ll also reach back to the 1800s to the American poet Walt Whitman, who penned the famous line “I am large, I contain multitudes.” What he meant was to embrace the potential of every day, including the unexpected changes, and to be able to change your mind if needed.

Please join us Sunday and bring a friend. You may also have questions or comments on our theme -- we welcome it! We’d like everyone to participate in this important discussion.

Our Sunday meetings are attended by Plato’s Cave, UU Inquiring Minds, and Orlando Stoics.

READING MATERIAL

Reading in advance is optional, but it does promote a richer discussion. The following materials are provided on the topic of the lecture.

Learning and Liquid Modernity (a PDF, which downloads to your PC)
https://docs.ie.edu/center-for-corporate-learning-innovation/publications/Liquid-Learning-on-Times-of-Liquid-Modernity.pdf

Stephanie Coontz article
https://www.stephaniecoontz.com/node/379

Walt Whitman / Song of Myself
https://iwp.uiowa.edu/whitmanweb/en/writings/song-of-myself/section-51

TIMEZONES

For our members in other states:
6:00 AM Pacific Time USA
7:00 AM Mountain Time USA
8:00 AM Central Time USA
9:00 AM Eastern Time USA

In other countries, please convert time using this free tool:
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

ZOOM INFO

The meeting starts at 9:00AM Eastern Time. After 15 minutes of chat, the presentation starts at 9:15AM sharp.

CLICK TO JOIN - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86390590096

This group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations. If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions.

This meeting is free and open to the public.

ONLINE: “Wittgenstein’s Private Language"

Link visible for attendees

This is the Monday night meeting for Orlando Stoics. It's online.

The philosophy of language, which reaches back to Plato and the Stoics, pertains to how we use language to communicate with each other. A philosophy of language considers thoughts and their meanings expressed as organized, shared language. Meaning seems to be a straightforward concept but becomes complex when considering the experiences (which informs meaning) and intentions (which leads to possible consequences).

Language is also a representation of the “self,” i.e. the inner being. Both the Buddha and Wittgenstein explained the “self” as a transcendental or transpersonal aspect of the being. Wittgenstein’s Private Language opened the doors to questions about language: (A) how have we come to accept the common or shared meanings of words and their coordinating ideas; and (B) could one individual develop their own language, which is meaningful only to themself? How useful would it be to have a solitary language known only unto the individual? We will cover these insightful concepts and then start an open discussion. Hope you can attend!

READING MATERIALS

Philosophy of Language: Plato & The Stoics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_language#Ancient_philosophy

The Buddha and Wittgenstein on the transcendent self
https://philpapers.org/rec/MAHBAW-5

Wittgenstein’s Private Language
https://iep.utm.edu/wittgens/#H6

TIMEZONES

Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific

For our international friends,
Please convert time with the free tool
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

ZOOM LINK

CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82659560546

If you don't have a computer with camera, you can also dial using a phone. Pick one of these numbers and add ID[masked]#
[masked] US (Chicago)
[masked] US (New York)
[masked] US (Houston)
[masked] US (San Jose)
[masked] US
[masked] US

Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, other belief systems, and even pop culture (books and movies). Sometimes "we agree to disagree", but the long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions.

In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in all aspects of our lives.

This meeting is free and open to the public.

North American Stoic Summit 2023

Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

This is the first annual Stoic Summit. Like Stoicon conferences of past years with great speakers and meetings in-person. Please register using the link at the bottom of this event description.

It's an all-day event at the Hotel Alba in Tampa, FL. StoicDan will not be speaking, but instead volunteering at this event.

Speakers include Bill Irvine, Ward Farnsworth, Greg Lopez.

Official organizers are Brittany Polat and Phil Yanov.

If you'd like to arrange a carpool from Orlando to Tampa, please msg each other on meetup. StoicDan will be leaving Friday night.

Registration is required at the link below. This page has all event info and pricing:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stoic-summit-north-america-tickets-449838829047

Past events (981)

ONLINE: “Epistemology & Identity: The Search for Deeper Understanding"

This event has passed