About us
Exploring Philosophy. Practicing Wisdom. Living Better.
Orlando Stoa is a In-Person community of people brought together by a shared interest in Stoicism, philosophy, and the pursuit of a life well lived. We meet in person to explore philosophical ideas, exchange perspectives, and discuss how ancient wisdom can help us navigate the challenges of modern life.
Our meetings are free, open to the public, and welcoming to everyone, regardless of philosophical background or experience.
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is a practical school of philosophy founded in Athens around 300 BCE by Zeno of Citium. At its heart is a simple but profound question: How should we live?
The Stoics believed that a good life is not determined by wealth, status, pleasure, or circumstances, but by the quality of our character and the wisdom of our choices. They emphasized four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance (self-control).
Drawing upon thinkers such as Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and other ancient and modern philosophers, we explore what it means to live according to reason, cultivate good judgment, and face life's uncertainties with resilience and integrity.
Why Study Stoicism?
We live in a world of constant stimulation, endless distractions, uncertainty, and competing demands on our attention. Stoicism offers a practical framework for examining our beliefs, understanding our emotions, and making more thoughtful decisions.
Rather than promising a life free from difficulties, Stoicism challenges us to become better equipped to face them.
It encourages us to ask:
- What is within our control, and what is not?
- How can we respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively?
- What does it mean to live a good and meaningful life?
- How do we develop wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control?
- How can we become better people, not just more knowledgeable ones?
We believe philosophy should be more than an intellectual exercise. It should be something we can understand, question, discuss, and apply in our everyday lives.
What We Do
Our gatherings are informal, conversational, and centered on thoughtful discussion rather than lectures or rigid instruction.
We explore a broad range of subjects, including:
- Stoic Philosophy: Reading and discussing ancient Stoic texts alongside modern interpretations and applications.
- Practical Philosophy: Applying philosophical principles to relationships, work, emotions, adversity, personal growth, and everyday decisions.
- Comparative Philosophy: Exploring connections and differences between Stoicism and Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Existentialism, and other philosophical traditions.
- Reason and Critical Thinking: Examining logic, ethics, human nature, psychology, and the assumptions behind our beliefs.
- Philosophy in Culture: Discovering philosophical ideas in literature, history, religion, science, film, and popular culture.
While Stoicism is our foundation, our curiosity extends well beyond any single philosophical school.
We encourage questions, respectful disagreement, intellectual humility, and the freedom to challenge ideas—including those of the ancient Stoics themselves. Our goal is not simply to memorize what philosophers believed, but to examine their reasoning and consider what remains valuable today.
Join The Conversation
You do not need to be a Stoic, have read the ancient texts, or possess any formal education in philosophy to participate. Whether you are discovering Stoicism for the first time or have studied philosophy for decades, your questions and perspectives are welcome.
There are no membership fees, subscriptions, or costs to attend our meetings.
We believe philosophy is best explored through open conversation, shared curiosity, and a willingness to examine our own beliefs.
Come for the philosophy. Stay for the conversation.
We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Orlando Stoa gathering.
Note: You can adjust your Meetup notification preferences through your account or group notification settings if you prefer fewer event emails.
Upcoming events
36
ADVANCED STOIC STUDIES
2415 N Orange Ave, 2415 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, USA, Orlando, FL, USADVANCED STOIC STUDIES (IN PERSON)
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald RobertsonABOUT THIS MEETING
This group is intended for students who already have a foundational understanding of Stoicism and wish to explore the philosophy in greater depth. Meetings follow a structured, course-style format, emphasizing philosophical inquiry, critical thinking, and thoughtful group discussion.
While newcomers are welcome, this is not an introductory course. Those new to Stoicism are encouraged to explore the resources below before attending.RESOURCES FOR BEGINNERS
If you're just getting started with Stoicism, the following resources provide an excellent foundation:- Live Lessons: Online Stoicism Meetup Group
- Online Courses: The Stoic Life – Course Materials
- YouTube: Introduction to Stoicism – Video Series
READING & COURSE MATERIALS
Our primary text is Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson.
What to bring: A copy of the book (physical or digital).
Course outlines, which will also be available at the meeting.
Participants are encouraged to complete the assigned reading beforehand to contribute meaningfully to the discussion.MEETING LOCATION
Panera Bread 2415 N Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32804
Located on the FIRST FLOOR of the AdventHealth medical building.
Parking is FREE.Driving north on Orange Avenue, you will see the AdventHealth building on your right. Turn right, continue approximately two blocks, then turn right again into the parking garage.
Most spaces are available; please avoid those marked reserved.
You have two options for accessing the building:
First Floor: Park and walk outside to Panera Bread.
Third Floor: Use the air-conditioned pedestrian bridge connecting the garage to the medical building.MEETING TIME
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin promptly.ATTENDANCE & GUEST POLICY
In person only. No Zoom or virtual attendance is available.
Each attendee must register individually through Meetup. Additional guests cannot be included under another member's RSVP.GROUP COURTESY & EXPECTATIONS
Our purpose is to deepen our understanding of Stoicism through reasoned inquiry, shared learning, and respectful philosophical discussion.
We encourage participants to question ideas, challenge assumptions, and consider perspectives different from their own. Disagreement is welcome; disrespect is not.
Please allow others to finish speaking, avoid dominating the conversation, and approach discussions with intellectual humility. We do not need to agree on every subject to learn from one another.
To keep our meetings focused, religious and political debates are outside the scope of this group.Our long-term goal is simple: to become better thinkers and practitioners of philosophy through continued study and meaningful dialogue.
2 attendees
THE STOIC ART OF MORTALITY (DAY SHIFT)
2415 N Orange Ave, 2415 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, USA, Orlando, FL, USTHE STOIC ART OF MORTALITY (IN PERSON)
How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life
Seneca — Edited and translated by James S. RommABOUT THIS MEETING
As we approach the end of the year, Orlando Stoa turns its attention to one of philosophy's oldest questions: How should we live, knowing our time is finite?Join us as we explore mortality, grief, acceptance, and the Stoic understanding of a life well lived. In How to Die, Roman philosopher Seneca examines our fear of death, the experience of loss, and the importance of living deliberately.
Drawing from his letters and philosophical essays, the book challenges us to view death not merely as an ending, but as a natural part of human existence.
Through five thematic sections, we will examine preparation, fear, regret, freedom, and our place within nature.
Our central question: If we truly accepted that our lives, and the lives of those we love, are temporary, how might that change the way we live today?
RESOURCES FOR BEGINNERS
New to Stoicism? These resources provide a helpful introduction:- Online Course: The Stoic Life – Course Materials
- YouTube: Introduction to Stoicism – Video Series
BOOK CLUB FORMAT
Our meetings are relaxed but structured, and all experience levels are welcome.- Get the Book: Purchase on Amazon.
- Meeting Outline: Outline
- Free Online Sources: Seneca's Letters, Archives
- Prepare: Read the assigned section and note any interesting passages, questions, or disagreements.
- Discuss: Everyone will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and examine Seneca's arguments.
- Apply: We conclude by exploring how the ideas discussed relate to our everyday lives.
Advance reading is encouraged but not required. We review the central ideas together so everyone can participate.
Note: Discussions may touch on personal experiences with death or grief. Sharing is always voluntary. The book also contains ancient discussions of voluntary death, which we approach as historical and philosophical inquiry.
READING SCHEDULE – OCT–DEC 2026
- October 24 – Part I: Prepare Yourself (Letters 26, 36, 54, and 114).
- November 7 – Part II: Have No Fear (Letters 19, 11, 14, 30, 82, and 92)
- November 21 – Part III: Have No Regrets (Consultation to Marcia, 61, 77, 93, and 101).
- December 5 – Part IV: Set Yourself Free (To Marcia, On Anger, On Providence 2.9, On Providence 6.7, 58, 70, 104, 117).
- December 19 – Part V: Become a Part of the Whole (To Marcia, To Polybius II.I, 71, 4, On Natural Questions)
Year-End Reflection (December 19): We will close 2026 by reflecting on what we've learned and how accepting life's finite nature might influence the way we approach the coming year.
Schedule subject to adjustment based on the pace of our discussions.LOCATION & PARKING
Panera Bread 2415 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804 FIRST FLOOR of the AdventHealth medical building.
FREE PARKING: Traveling north on Orange Avenue, turn right at the AdventHealth building, continue approximately two blocks, then turn right into the parking garage. Avoid reserved spaces.
You may park on the first floor and walk outside or use the air-conditioned pedestrian bridge from the garage's third floor.MEETING TIME & ATTENDANCE
Every Other Saturday | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
We encourage punctuality, but late arrivals are always welcome! We also take a short break halfway through.
In-person only; no Zoom option.
Guests are welcome but must RSVP individually. Seating is limited.GROUP COURTESY & EXPECTATIONS
Orlando Stoa encourages open-minded, respectful philosophical discussion. We welcome questions, differing perspectives, and thoughtful disagreements.
Please allow others to finish speaking, avoid dominating conversations, and approach discussions with intellectual humility.
To maintain our focus, religious and political debates are outside the scope of this group.Our goal is simple: To become better thinkers and practitioners of philosophy through continued study, reasoned inquiry, and meaningful dialogue.
1 attendeeADVANCED STOIC STUDIES
2415 N Orange Ave, 2415 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, USA, Orlando, FL, USADVANCED STOIC STUDIES (IN PERSON)
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald RobertsonABOUT THIS MEETING
This group is intended for students who already have a foundational understanding of Stoicism and wish to explore the philosophy in greater depth. Meetings follow a structured, course-style format, emphasizing philosophical inquiry, critical thinking, and thoughtful group discussion.
While newcomers are welcome, this is not an introductory course. Those new to Stoicism are encouraged to explore the resources below before attending.RESOURCES FOR BEGINNERS
If you're just getting started with Stoicism, the following resources provide an excellent foundation:- Live Lessons: Online Stoicism Meetup Group
- Online Courses: The Stoic Life – Course Materials
- YouTube: Introduction to Stoicism – Video Series
READING & COURSE MATERIALS
Our primary text is Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson.
What to bring: A copy of the book (physical or digital).
Course outlines, which will also be available at the meeting.
Participants are encouraged to complete the assigned reading beforehand to contribute meaningfully to the discussion.MEETING LOCATION
Panera Bread 2415 N Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32804
Located on the FIRST FLOOR of the AdventHealth medical building.
Parking is FREE.Driving north on Orange Avenue, you will see the AdventHealth building on your right. Turn right, continue approximately two blocks, then turn right again into the parking garage.
Most spaces are available; please avoid those marked reserved.
You have two options for accessing the building:
First Floor: Park and walk outside to Panera Bread.
Third Floor: Use the air-conditioned pedestrian bridge connecting the garage to the medical building.MEETING TIME
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin promptly.ATTENDANCE & GUEST POLICY
In person only. No Zoom or virtual attendance is available.
Each attendee must register individually through Meetup. Additional guests cannot be included under another member's RSVP.GROUP COURTESY & EXPECTATIONS
Our purpose is to deepen our understanding of Stoicism through reasoned inquiry, shared learning, and respectful philosophical discussion.
We encourage participants to question ideas, challenge assumptions, and consider perspectives different from their own. Disagreement is welcome; disrespect is not.
Please allow others to finish speaking, avoid dominating the conversation, and approach discussions with intellectual humility. We do not need to agree on every subject to learn from one another.
To keep our meetings focused, religious and political debates are outside the scope of this group.Our long-term goal is simple: to become better thinkers and practitioners of philosophy through continued study and meaningful dialogue.
1 attendeeTHE STOIC ART OF MORTALITY (NIGHT SHIFT)
2415 N Orange Ave, 2415 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, USA, Orlando, FL, USTHE STOIC ART OF MORTALITY (IN PERSON)
How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life
Seneca — Edited and translated by James S. RommABOUT THIS MEETING
As we approach the end of the year, Orlando Stoa turns its attention to one of philosophy's oldest questions: How should we live, knowing our time is finite?Join us as we explore mortality, grief, acceptance, and the Stoic understanding of a life well lived. In How to Die, Roman philosopher Seneca examines our fear of death, the experience of loss, and the importance of living deliberately.
Drawing from his letters and philosophical essays, the book challenges us to view death not merely as an ending, but as a natural part of human existence.
Through five thematic sections, we will examine preparation, fear, regret, freedom, and our place within nature.
Our central question: If we truly accepted that our lives, and the lives of those we love, are temporary, how might that change the way we live today?
RESOURCES FOR BEGINNERS
New to Stoicism? These resources provide a helpful introduction:- Online Course: The Stoic Life – Course Materials
- YouTube: Introduction to Stoicism – Video Series
BOOK CLUB FORMAT
Our meetings are relaxed but structured, and all experience levels are welcome.- Get the Book: Purchase on Amazon.
- Meeting Outline: Outline
- Free Online Sources: Seneca's Letters, Archives
- Prepare: Read the assigned section and note any interesting passages, questions, or disagreements.
- Discuss: Everyone will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and examine Seneca's arguments.
- Apply: We conclude by exploring how the ideas discussed relate to our everyday lives.
Advance reading is encouraged but not required. We review the central ideas together so everyone can participate.
Note: Discussions may touch on personal experiences with death or grief. Sharing is always voluntary. The book also contains ancient discussions of voluntary death, which we approach as historical and philosophical inquiry.
READING SCHEDULE – OCT–DEC 2026
- October 24 – Part I: Prepare Yourself (Letters 26, 36, 54, and 114).
- November 7 – Part II: Have No Fear (Letters 19, 11, 14, 30, 82, and 92)
- November 21 – Part III: Have No Regrets (Consultation to Marcia, 61, 77, 93, and 101).
- December 5 – Part IV: Set Yourself Free (To Marcia, On Anger, On Providence 2.9, On Providence 6.7, 58, 70, 104, 117).
- December 19 – Part V: Become a Part of the Whole (To Marcia, To Polybius II.I, 71, 4, On Natural Questions)
Year-End Reflection (December 19): We will close 2026 by reflecting on what we've learned and how accepting life's finite nature might influence the way we approach the coming year.
Schedule subject to adjustment based on the pace of our discussions.LOCATION & PARKING
Panera Bread 2415 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804 FIRST FLOOR of the AdventHealth medical building.
FREE PARKING: Traveling north on Orange Avenue, turn right at the AdventHealth building, continue approximately two blocks, then turn right into the parking garage. Avoid reserved spaces.
You may park on the first floor and walk outside or use the air-conditioned pedestrian bridge from the garage's third floor.MEETING TIME & ATTENDANCE
Every Other Saturday | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
We encourage punctuality, but late arrivals are always welcome! We also take a short break halfway through.
In-person only; no Zoom option.
Guests are welcome but must RSVP individually. Seating is limited.GROUP COURTESY & EXPECTATIONS
Orlando Stoa encourages open-minded, respectful philosophical discussion. We welcome questions, differing perspectives, and thoughtful disagreements.
Please allow others to finish speaking, avoid dominating conversations, and approach discussions with intellectual humility.
To maintain our focus, religious and political debates are outside the scope of this group.Our goal is simple: To become better thinkers and practitioners of philosophy through continued study, reasoned inquiry, and meaningful dialogue.
1 attendee
Past events
7
