THE STOIC ART OF MORTALITY (IN PERSON)

THE STOIC ART OF MORTALITY (IN PERSON)
How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life
Seneca — Edited and translated by James S. Romm

ABOUT 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
• 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 Preparing for Death and Understanding Mortality.
• November 7 – Part II: Have No Fear Overcoming the Fear of Death.
• November 21 – Part III: Have No Regrets Regret, Time, and Living a Meaningful Life.
• December 5 – Part IV: Set Yourself Free Freedom, Acceptance, and the Limits of Control.
• December 19 – Part V: Become a Part of the Whole + Epilogue Nature, Mortality, and Our Place in the Universe.

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.