Memphis Stoics

We’re getting together for a laid-back evening of fellowship, company, and some thought-provoking fun at Nerd Nite—a series of engaging presentations (think TED Talks).

There’s no assigned reading or discussion topic this time—just a chance to connect with fellow Stoics and enjoy the evening. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular face, we’d love to see you there!

About Nerd Nite
Nerd Nite Memphis brings together a curious community through informal talks on research, culture, art, and everyday life—building connection through shared ideas. Nerd culture is for everyone: every interest, hobby, sport, and field of research, and everything you know (and think we should know, too!). Join us every third Friday of the month.

Presentations

1) Michael Hundley
Presentation: High Gods and Their Monsters
Affiliation: University of Memphis
What’s the difference between ancient gods and monsters? Surprisingly, not much. It’s all a matter of perspective, of the story and of the audience. Even their roles are determined by the needs of the narrative. Monsters menace, high gods rule monsters, hero gods fight them, regular gods (kind of like NPCs) fear them, and goddesses may become them when they stray too far from gender expectations. Tonight, we look at the especially close relationship between ancient high gods and monsters. What does their relationship show us about the divine overlords? Does it make the high gods themselves the true apex monsters?

Bio: Michael Hundley is a husband, father, teacher, author, and nerd. A wandering academic for many years, he has researched and taught comparative ancient religions at universities across the world, in the US, Jerusalem, England, and Germany. Today, the University of Memphis is his home. The author of 5 books, including the upcoming Ancient Gods and Monsters: The Bible, the Ancient Near East and Beyond, he believes that studying religion more than anything else teaches us about how people process their worlds.

2) James Weakley
Presentation: Batman in our Reality
From physical development to psychological and legal ramifications, we'll discuss what it takes to become the most "accessible" superhero. We'll then follow up with what it takes to actually be that hero and how long you'll likely last. We'll end with real world examples of costumed crime fighters that may inform your own journey!
Bio: James Weakley is an educator with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, a former host of Nerd Nite Memphis, and frequent speaker at the event. He's got a belief that our culture and our entertainment are in a constant conversation. When not teaching, he operates as Commanding Officer of Station Shelby, the local chapter of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.

Join the Memphis Stoics as we continue with a discussion of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes, focusing on 5-6. Please join us if you were not able to attend the first two meetings on the Stoic Paradoxes. We will do a brief review of the first four paradoxes.

Whether you are a seasoned philosophy enthusiast or simply curious about how ancient wisdom can guide modern living, join us for an afternoon of stimulating conversation, knowledge sharing, and camaraderie.

We will meet in the back room of Java Cabana 901 Coffee House.

Agenda:
1:30pm - 1:45pm: Open discussion, etc.

• Grab some coffee, tea, and snacks from Java Cabana 901
• Open Q&A and discussion about Stoicism
• Topic introduction

1:45pm - 3:30pm: Close reading and discussion

• We'll read through text (handout provided at meeting) and discuss our practical insights.

Main Source: Stoic Paradoxes by Cicero (translated by Quintus Curtis)