Stoicism, Silicon Valley, and Philosophy
Details
This week we’ll examine the debate over “Silicon Valley Stoicism” — the modern trend of turning Stoic philosophy into a set of productivity hacks or resilience tools — and contrast it with the Stoic understanding of natural law, virtue, and the common good. Our readings explore how Stoicism is often misrepresented in tech culture as a personal operating system for success rather than a philosophy of justice, humility, and moral progress.
Writers like Massimo Pigliucci and Donald Robertson respond to Nellie Bowles’ New York Times critique of the so-called “Cicero Institute,” clarifying that Stoicism is not about self-inflicted suffering or fame through endurance. Rather, it teaches that wealth and comfort are “preferred indifferents,” and that true freedom lies in aligning one’s will with reason and nature. The ancient Stoics — from Zeno, a shipwrecked merchant, to Epictetus, a former slave — embodied this principle, showing that virtue and service to humanity, not power or notoriety, define the good life.
Together, we’ll discuss how Stoic natural law (living according to nature and reason) contrasts with Silicon Valley’s instrumental approach to Stoic ideas. Can Stoicism be meaningfully applied in entrepreneurial or high-stress environments without losing its moral center? How do the Stoic virtues of courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom guide us in the modern pursuit of innovation and success?
Reading Material
Silicon Valley style Stoicism
https://docs.google.com/document/d/147odfblWAMckqFt9i5PiYj2e1VefjVzX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110947935562396183706&rtpof=true&sd=true
Response: Why is Silicon Valley so Obsessed With the Virtue of Suffering?
https://donaldrobertson.name/2019/03/26/response-why-is-silicon-valley-so-obsessed-with-the-virtue-of-suffering/
Time (USA)
7:00 PM Eastern
6:00 PM Central
5:00 PM Mountain
4:00 PM Pacific
[Convert your time]
Zoom Link
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Our group welcomes open-minded, respectful discussion on Stoicism and its relevance to daily life, relationships, and personal growth. We explore how Stoic ideas connect to modern philosophy, psychology, science, and culture with the goal of strengthening our character and living wisely together.
This meeting is free and open to the public.