What we’re about
This is for those who love philosophy, but never quite had the discipline to get all the reading done. Or maybe you did and you now want to tell someone how much you understand it all. Or just want to get started.
To come to this you will be required to read the text given as the background for the monthly discussion. This is not meant to make things hard, but it's what I need to write here so that I make sure I get through the material. I have studied various philosophy subjects at university, and I read some more closely than others - this is an opportunity for me to have another crack at reading some of these great texts, and make up for the reading I didn't do. It's Also an opportunity to engage with others and learn something from the discussion.
Of course the landscape of philosophy is vast, so where to start? Initially I will be choosing from my favourite Partially Examined Life podcasts, and they will guide the material for the first few meetings. Not the podcasts themselves, but the texts that they chose. The topics they discussed (usually in the title) can be the starting points for discussion. Also, where the texts are impenetrable, the podcast will help to draw out the key areas of interest. If you have read the text, you are welcome to listen to their enjoyable discussion - but it is no replacement for reading the text itself.
I'm relating the meetup to the podcast because I enjoy it and it might be a useful companion, but I'm ambivalent about it. Partly it's to use their knowledge as a guide - the topics and texts around which they anchor their discussion. And because ideally their selection is a 'best of', although I'm some might disagree. And to be fair, some texts are very hard to read, and even those having a might crack at it might fail. In those cases the podcast might be the only thing you make sense of. But you could argue it doesn't add much and we might as well just chose some texts that people are interested in. I'm happy to start here and see how things go.
Also, if you like the sound of this meetup, chances are you'd love this one --
https://www.meetup.com/Existentialist-Society/
Upcoming events
164
•OnlineFTI: Fireside Chat: The Power of Words in the Age of Human–Machine Futures
OnlineJoin the Free Thinker Institute for a thought-provoking fireside chat exploring how language shapes our shared future at the intersection of humanity and technology. Words carry immense power: they can either accelerate division, fear, and collapse—or spark trust, creativity, and breakthroughs that uplift society.
In this dialogue, we’ll explore:
Why now is the critical moment for rethinking how we communicate with each other and with machines
How narratives, framing, and collective meaning influence the direction of AI and human collaboration
The dual possibilities ahead: technology as a catalyst for crisis—or as the foundation of a more connected, thriving world
This session invites deep reflection and open conversation on how we can use words intentionally to guide the blended future of humans and machines toward unity and prosperity.
A little about our host:
Garrett is a programmer turned award-winning software inventor turned entrepreneur ([PlateRate.com](http://platerate.com/) is his company). His hobby is writing and discussing practical philosophy, and he does life coaching on request to help people live happy, moral lives. He is also the executive director of The Free Thinker Institute ([FreeThinkerInstitute.org](http://freethinkerinstitute.org/)), which aims to create a community that helps members increase happiness and decrease harm for themselves and those they can influence.Format: Lecture and discussion
Note: social time for our community 15 minutes before the presentation.
To get familiar with our past events, feel free to check out our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmixGB9GdrptyEWovEj80zgAfter registering via zoom, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.
Here’s our legal notice: For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish any and all Zoom recordings for trade, advertising and any other commercial purpose, and to alter the same without any restriction. I hereby release Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability related to said video recordings.
3 attendees
•OnlineONLINE / ENGLISH: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
Online## Details
Please click the link and RSVP at Orlando Stoics
https://www.meetup.com/orlando-stoics/
This is our series on Donald Robertson’s book “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor”. We will learn about the life of Marcus Aurelius and his philosophy practice. As usual on Friday nights, we will cover the book in-depth; see schedule below.
SCHEDULE
8-08-2025 Chap. 1
8-15-2025 Chap. 1 continued
8-22-2025 Chap. 2
8-29-2025 Chap. 2 continued
9-05-2025 Chap. 3
9-12-2025 Chap. 3 continued
9-19-2025 Chap. 4
9-26-2025 Chap. 4 continued
10-03-2025 Chap. 5
10-10-2025 Chap. 5 continued
10-17-2025 Chap. 6
10-24-2025 Chap. 6 continued
10-31-2025 Chap. 7
11-07-2025 Chap. 7 continued
11-14-2025 Chap. 8 (just 1 part)
11-21-2025 Finale
READING MATERIALS
The book is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Various formats are available: audio, paperback, Kindle. Reading in advance is optional; StoicDan will collect highlights from each part of the book in an outline for the meeting.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9YYR62
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 865 5984 3870#
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 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 life. 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, history, 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.
Events inPhilosophyPsychology
Self-Help & Self-ImprovementMarcus AureliusStoicism2 attendees
Past events
216
