The Socrates Café — Philosophers Quotes Edition - Oba 7th floor.
Details
This is a new edition of the Socrates cafe with a new format.
In this edition, the moderator will pick a specific quote, topic or question from a known philosophers (example; Voltaire, Kant, Marcus Aurelius, Hypatia of Alexandria, Rousseau, Machiavelli, Descartes, Plato and others).
A summary around a page will be provided in the event (See below - The topic of this Session)
Please take the time to read.
The Moderator will read the summary and give an introduction of the topic. Then, we will have an open discussion, and a final round when everyone will give their conclusions.
The topic of this Session
Marcus Aurelius’ quote, "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts,"
1. Core Meaning
The quote emphasizes that happiness is not determined by external circumstances (wealth, status, relationships, or material possessions), but by how you interpret and respond to those circumstances through your thoughts. In other words:
Your mind is the lens through which you experience life. Suffering or joy comes not from events themselves, but from your judgments, reactions, and perceptions of those events.
Stoic Philosophy Behind the Quote from Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, believed that you cannot control external events, but you can control your thoughts and reactions to them.
Happiness is an inside job: It’s cultivated through virtue, reason, and self-discipline, not external validation.
2. Stoic Philosophy Behind the Quote
Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, believed that you cannot control external events, but you can control your thoughts and reactions to them. Happiness is an inside job: It’s cultivated through virtue, reason, and self-discipline, not external validation.
3. About Stoicism
Stoicism teaches that some things are within your control (your thoughts, actions, and attitudes), while others are not (other people’s opinions, the past, external events). Instead of thinking, "This is a disaster," ask, "How can I learn or grow from this?"
4. Counterarguments
Is Happiness Really Just About Thoughts?
Some argue that external factors (e.g., poverty, illness, oppression) do affect happiness. While external conditions influence well-being, your response to them determines your suffering or peace.
Does This Mean Ignoring Injustice?
Misconception: Stoicism isn’t about passive acceptance of wrongs. It’s about focusing your energy on what you can change.
Final Summary
Marcus Aurelius’ quote teaches that happiness is a skill—one that depends on how you interpret and respond to life’s events. By cultivating self-awareness, reframing challenges, and focusing on what you can control, you can find contentment regardless of external circumstances.
This doesn’t mean ignoring pain or injustice, but rather choosing resilience, wisdom, and virtue as your guides.
Background About the Philosopher (Optional):
[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcus-Aurelius-Roman-emperor/The-Meditations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius#Writings_and_legacy)
RULES
- Please be on time! We will start at 15:00 so if you arrive late, please join quietly. If you are a first timer, make sure you take extra time for finding the location.
- If something unexpected happens, please cancel as soon as possible. There's lovely people on the waiting list
- If you repeatedly sign up and don’t show up, you can expect to be moved to the waitlist next time.
- You may disagree with others, but please do so respectfully without personal attacks.
- Please keep your attendance to one event per week to ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend.
See you soon!