What we’re about
London Stoics is for anyone interested in the philosophy of Stoicism seeking to cultivate excellence of character.
Members are invited to consult the primary sources: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Seneca's Letters and Epictetus' Enchiridion and Discourses .
London Stoics is part of the Stoic Fellowship, an international community fostering the knowledge and practice of Stoicism through in-person and online events.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Meditations (in the Park) by Marcus Aurelius - Book 8: Part 2 of 2Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, London£6.00
This event is outdoors seated on the grass in Bunhill Fields Burial Ground. In case of weather issues, please monitor Location/Comments.
Book 8 - Part 2 - verses 34-61
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_VIII
Reading Time - 12 minutes
Knowledge of prior Books is not required
Gregory Hays translation recommended
Meditations is one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others.
Explore this timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by leaders, thinkers and readers throughout the centuries:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus
Questions we'll explore
1. To the best of my judgment, when I look at the human character I see no virtue placed there to counter justice. But I see one to counter pleasure: self-control.
Does pleasure need to be countered?
2. Nothing that can happen is unusual or unnatural, and there’s no sense in complaining. Nature does not make us endure the unendurable.
What are the implications?
3. The mind without passions is a fortress. No place is more secure. Once we take refuge there we are safe forever. Not to see this is ignorance. To see it and not seek safety means misery.
Do you agree or disagree?
4. No carelessness in your actions. No confusion in your words. No imprecision in your thoughts. No retreating into your own soul, or trying to escape it. No overactivity.
How would you achieve this?
5. The existence of evil does not harm the world. And an individual act of evil does not harm the victim. Only one person is harmed by it—and he can stop being harmed as soon as he decides to.
What do you make of Marcus' view on evil?
Instructions
- read the Book before session
- review the Questions
- arrive before 3pm
To fund the Meetup subscription a £6 fee is payable in advance.
To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled.
If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.
If the event is full, please check this Meetup page on the day of the event, as a spot may become available if there is a late cancellation.
If you sign up, and do not Edit RSVP to "Not going", and are a no show, you will be removed from the Group and can rejoin after 3 months.
