Orlando Stoics

Name: Wisdom and Uncertainty (Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic")
Start: 2018-09-21T19:00-04:00
End: 2018-09-21T20:30-04:00
Location: Panera Bread

StoicDan

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StoicDan

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Wisdom and Uncertainty (Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic")

Friday, September 21, 2018, 7:00 PM

Wisdom and Uncertainty (Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic")

StoicDan

Hosted by StoicDan

This is the Friday night meeting of Orlando Stoics (in Altamonte). We will discuss the writings of Seneca. His classic book, "Letters from a Stoic", was published about the year 65 AD; it has a total of 124 letters from Seneca to his friend Lucilius. Included are many timeless Stoic ideas on how to improve your life, concepts of ethics and virtue, plus some insight into daily life in ancient Rome. In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in all aspects of our lives. We'll discuss Letter 71 (the part unfinished) and chapter 72. I'll prepare an outline of discussion points, so you don't have to pre-read the book. If you'd like to read ahead (optional), use the links below. Free online text (translated by Richard Gummere) is here: Wikisource (https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius). An introduction to "Letters from a Stoic" is on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistulae_Morales_ad_Lucilium) and Wikisource (https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Introduction). If you'd like to order the book, Amazon offers new, used, and Kindle books. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1941129471) Venue - Panera Café, 696 E Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. We usually meet in the community room (in the back). Parking is free (parking spaces in front are marked "Panera"). If you are a newcomer, arrive a few minutes early for an introduction to Stoicism.

StoicDan
BBlack
Diana Jo R.
3 going

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Panera Bread

696 E Altamonte Dr · Altamonte Springs, FL

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What we're about

In our world of instant gratification, constant stimulation, and endless distractions, Stoicism offers a novel perspective on life. Interested in developing an unconquerable mind? Stoicism has the answers.

Defining 'Stoicism': it's an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded in 301 BCE in Athens. The first teacher was Zeno of Citium. The school taught that virtue (the highest good) is based on knowledge, and that wise people live in harmony with nature. The school also taught tolerance and self-control.

The goals of our group:

1. Read the canon (the classic books) of Stoic philosophy.
2. Discuss Stoicism in the media, pop culture, and literature.
3. Compare recurring themes in Stoicism to history, religion, philosophy, and culture.

There have always been people attracted to Stoicism. It was a major influence on Shakespeare, for example, and in more recent times on people including JD Salinger, Tom Wolfe, and Nelson Mandela.

It’s also attracted political and military leaders, such as Frederick the Great, President Bill Clinton, and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who said he read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations over 100 times.

We hope you will join us. Stoicism helps cope with life's stresses and retain your ethics & principles.

We have two meetups (Monday nights and Friday nights) in the Orlando area, and both are free. We hope to see you soon.