Seneca's Letters 9-10: Friendship, Self-Sufficiency, Communing with Oneself

We’re changing things up this month and taking advantage of Memphis’s mild spring weather and meeting at a local gem. Weather permitting, we will gather at the back patio garden at the Dixon Galleries and Gardens, where we will find a spot for our discussion.

If you have never been to the Dixon before, it is a treat! Admission is free and the garden is spectacular. Please note that this meet-up is NOT affiliated with the Dixon Galleries and Gardens. Before or after our meeting, enjoy the gardens and wonderful exhibits in the gallery, for free. Be sure to bring coffee or tea and snacks!

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Stoic philosophy with the Memphis Stoics. 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 as we read and discuss Seneca's philosophical letters to Lucilius 9-10, which explore the themes of friendship, self-sufficiency, and communing with oneself. Feel free to read on from there!

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

• Open Q&A and discussion about Stoicism
• Topic introduction

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

• We'll read through letters 9-10 together and discuss our practical insights.

Resources:

• You can find a public domain translation here: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius
• Here is an excellent recent translation: Letters on Ethics: To Lucilius (The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca) by Lucius Annaeus Seneca (Author), Margaret Graver (Author, Translator), A. A. Long (Author, Translator)
• Excellent companion book: Breakfast with Seneca by David Fiedler