MODERN MONDAY: Virtue in the Age of Distraction
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In theory, Stoicism reads simple and makes a lot of sense.
In practice… mmmm, not so much.
In 2026, many of us understand Stoic ideas intellectually. But living them day to day can feel harder than ever. With instant gratification, constant connection, social comparison, and cultural pressure, sometimes it can make virtues like Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, and Justice feel almost countercultural.
But before we can explore the difficulties we run into, we must first go back to the root of the philosophy itself.
The Stoics made a radical claim: Virtue is the only good.
Not comfort, success, reputation, or pleasure. Just virtue. But what does that actually mean in modern life, exactly?
At this meetup, we’ll explore:
- What the Stoics meant by “virtue is the only good.”
- The four cardinal virtues
- Where confusion, resistance, and nuance show up
- What does it look like to use virtue as a compass for everyday decisions?
- How our personal values connect to the four cardinal virtues
Join us for an open, thoughtful discussion on practicing virtue in a distracted world.
Resources (optional reading): These short readings offer a foundation for our discussion on virtue. Read as much or as little as you like.
Article 1: Stoic Virtue, the Only Good || Kai Whiting & Santara Gonzales.
Article 2: What Do the (4) Stoic Virtues Mean? || Donald Robertson