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.
We also link ideas to Buddhism, Minimalism, Taoism and other "lived philosophy" systems. We love in-depth discussions!
Defining 'Stoicism': it's an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded about 300 BC 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, psychology, and other branches of philosophy.
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 also learn to simplify our lives by using concepts from Buddhism and Minimalism.
We have 3 meetups per week (Mondays, Fridays, Sundays). All are online. We hope to see you soon.
Upcoming events (4)
This is the Friday night meeting for Orlando Stoics. It's online.
Chapter 12 of Ward Farnsworth’s book “The Practicing Stoic” is about improving your practice, your thinking, your character in the world. This chapter will be discussed in 2 parts. Part 1 (6-24) & Part 2 (7-01).
Each Friday meeting will start with a dialogue (recorded) and then proceed to discussion (not recorded).
Reading Material
Reading in advance is optional. StoicDan will collect the best items for each week.
The Book on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1567926118
(Available on Kindle for $9)
Time
Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific
For our international friends:
8:00PM São Paulo, Brazil
12:00AM London and Ireland
1:00AM Berlin
1:00AM Madrid
3:00AM Dubai
4:30AM Mumbai
4:45AM Kathmandu, Nepal
8:00AM Seoul, South Korea
9:00AM Sydney, Australia
Zoom Info
CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86559843870
If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID[masked]#
[masked] US (Chicago)
[masked] US (New York)
[masked] US (Houston)
[masked] US (San Jose)
[masked] US
[masked] US
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 will discuss how Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.
- Deb S
- Vyacheslav K.
- StoicDan
- 7 attendees
This is a new Sunday lecture. Meeting starts 9AM (friendly conversation), then the presentation starts 9:15AM. A discussion will follow.
This week, we will discuss Skepticism and Religion. The nuances go far beyond questioning the existence of God. David Hume's life and ideas (in the Scottish school) were observed as "atheistic" in character. Essentially, he was an empiricist (deriving beliefs from experiences and the senses). Also, Thomas Hobbes took a minimalist approach to religion, claiming that "knowledge of a God with infinite attributes [is] beyond the scope of human understanding" (from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). We'll also cover some ideas from how cults abuse religion to indoctrinate people. Please join StoicDan and Joe Bullock for this thought-provoking new lecture.
READING MATERIAL
Reading in advance is encouraged, but not required. The presentation will summarize the materials below.
David Hume's Skepticism and Naturalism
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-religion/#RelPhiSpeAth
Thomas Hobbes and his Minimalism Theology
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-religion/#EmpSceVerIdeGod
Richard Dawkins interview: Theology & Anthropology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHoK6ohqNo4
Life in a Cult: Mind Control
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHMYwtjaFjI
TIMEZONES
For our members in other states and countries:
6:00 AM Pacific Time USA
7:00 AM Mountain Time USA
8:00 AM Central Time USA
9:00 AM Eastern Time USA
10:00 AM Sao Paulo, Brazil
2:00 PM London, England
3:00 PM Berlin, Germany
6:45 PM Kathmandu, Nepal
10:00 PM Seoul, South Korea
ZOOM INFO
The meeting starts at 9:00AM Eastern Time. After 15 minutes of chat, the presentation starts at 9:15AM sharp.
CLICK TO JOIN - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86390590096
If you don't have a computer with camera, you can also dial using a phone. Pick one of these numbers and add ID[masked]#
[masked] US (Chicago)
[masked] US (New York)
[masked] US (Houston)
[masked] US (San Jose)
[masked] US
[masked] US
This group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations. If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions.
This meeting is free and open to the public.
- StoicDan
- Megan T.
- Hanneke O.
- 4 attendees
This is our IN PERSON event for Saturdays. We meet every 2 weeks (no Zoom link available).
TOPIC – This is our new series on “Social Contract Theory” (human freedoms versus authority). Starting in the 17th Century, we will discuss the concepts of notable philosophers Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. If the discussion is liked, we will continue into the 20th Century with John Rawls, David Gauthier, and Philip Pettit. Note: since our group avoids politics for its divisive qualities, we will avoid political controversy and steer to the philosophical and historical concepts of natural law and consent, which are the foundations of government today. We will also link some concepts to Stoicism and other belief systems.
Last time - Rousseau
This time - John Rawls
Article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_contract
READING - No advance reading is needed. Dan will bring printed outlines to the meeting. If we run out of printed copies, please go to StoicDan.com and click the link for "Saturdays" in the upper right corner).
VENUE - The venue is Imperial Wine Bar at 1800 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804 (at the corner of North Orange Avenue and E New Hampshire Street). This venue is also known as Washburn Imports. We meet outside in the Beer Garden. So, enter the front door, walk through, look for the sign to the Beer Garden. The venue offers wine and beer. Parking is free behind the building and across the street.
COST - This event is free, but please consider buying something from the menu to support the venue. See menu below.
TIME - 6:00PM Eastern. We take a break at 1 hour into the meeting.
TEMPERATURE - In the second hour of the meeting, the evening temperature may fall, so please bring a sweater.
PARKING - You can park behind the building or across the street. The parking lot across the street has signs to the contrary, but the venue said it's ok to park there.
GUESTS - As some have requested, you can now bring guests without them clicking RSVP separately.
MENU - If you'd like to check the menu before arriving, here is the link to Imperial's menu. https://www.imperialwinebar.com/orlando-menu/
OTHER - If you'd like to plan something after the meeting, the venue has music on Saturday nights, usually at 8PM, plus there are many other venues in the area. Check: https://www.facebook.com/Imperialwinebar/
COURTESY - This group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations. If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.
- Rami
- Matt D
- StoicDan
- 9 attendees
This is the Friday night meeting for Orlando Stoics. It's online.
Having finished our series on Ward Farnsworth’s book “The Practicing Stoic”, the author himself will be joining us tonight to discuss the major themes of his Stoic book and his upcoming book. This will be a treat!
This is a one-time event, so please RSVP early. We'll cap the seats at 100.
Reading Material
The Book on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1567926118
(Available on Kindle for $9)
Time
Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific
For our international friends:
8:00PM São Paulo, Brazil
12:00AM London and Ireland
1:00AM Berlin
1:00AM Madrid
3:00AM Dubai
4:30AM Mumbai
4:45AM Kathmandu, Nepal
8:00AM Seoul, South Korea
9:00AM Sydney, Australia
Zoom Info
CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86559843870
If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID[masked]#
[masked] US (Chicago)
[masked] US (New York)
[masked] US (Houston)
[masked] US (San Jose)
[masked] US
[masked] US
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 will discuss how Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.
- Rami
- Ro
- Deb S
- 21 attendees
Past events (841)
- StoicDan
- Brian A.
- brian c.
- 25 attendees
