Stoics & Social: Philosophy, Drinks & Good Company

Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 5:00 PM | Anza Club, Vancouver

Come hang out, grab a drink, and meet some new people. Join a conversation, sit back and listen, or just enjoy the night. All we ask is that you bring an open mind.
Running a bit late? No problem. Come find us and we'll pull you into a conversation.

What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is a practical philosophy that began in Athens around 300 BC and was later lived by people as different as the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, a former slave. It's less about theory and more about how to live well.
The core idea is simple: some things are within our control (our choices, our effort, how we respond) and most things aren't (other people, the past, outcomes, luck). The Stoics believed much of our stress comes from mixing those two up. Put your energy into what you can control, accept the rest, and you'll meet life with a clearer head.
It's an old idea, but it speaks to the same things we all deal with today: work, relationships, setbacks, and everything in between.

Questions for the Night
Four questions people have argued over for two thousand years. Pick one, grab a seat, and tell us what you think.

1. If you could remove all pain from your life, would you?
   The Stoics believed hardship is what builds character. Would a life without struggle make you better off, or would you lose something important?
2. Is the pursuit of happiness actually making us unhappy?
   The Stoics didn't chase happiness. They pursued virtue and believed peace would follow. Should happiness even be the goal?
3. Is anger ever useful?
   Seneca wrote an entire book arguing that anger is never worth it, not even in the face of injustice. Was he right, or is anger sometimes exactly what's needed?
4. Are you truly free, or just living the life you were told to want?
   Epictetus was born a slave yet considered himself free, because no one could control his mind. How much of what you want is really your choice?

Good to Know

• Drinks: The Anza Club has a bar, so drinks will be available. There's no food, so eat beforehand.
• Entry: Non-members pay a $5 drop-in fee at the door, or you can buy a $15 annual membership that covers the whole year. The fee goes directly to the venue, not to us.
• No experience needed: You don't need to have read a single page of philosophy. Curiosity is enough.