What we’re about
Welcome to Orlando Stoics! We are a very active group, with over 3,700 members and five meetings a week. Some meetings are held online, while others are in-person. All classes are free. We also have annual events, like "Stoicon-X Orlando" in November (for the Modern Stoicism movement) and our Winter Social in December (Stoics are allowed to have fun, too).
Why Stoicism? In our world of instant gratification, constant stimulation, and endless distractions, Stoicism offers a novel perspective on life. Interested in developing an unconquerable mind? Stoicism has the answers. We also link ideas to Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Existentialism, Minimalism, and other "lived philosophy" systems. We love in-depth discussions!
If you join our group, feel free to adjust the email and notification settings to suit your preferences. Since we have new meetings every week, those emails might be too much for your inbox. Feel free to turn them off (go to our meetup page, click "You're a Member", and then click group notifications). You can still check our meetup page for upcoming events whenever you want.
What is Stoicism? It's an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded about 300 BC in Athens. The first teacher was Zeno of Citium. The school taught that virtue (the highest good) is based on knowledge, and that wise people live in harmony with nature. The school also taught tolerance and self-control. Famous Stoics were Seneca the Younger, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. We also study modern Stoics.
The goals of our group:
1. We read the ancient books, plus the modern books on Stoicism.
2. We discuss Stoicism in the media, pop culture, and arts & literature.
3. We compare recurring themes in Stoicism to history, religion, and psychology.
There have always been people attracted to Stoicism. It was a significant influence on Shakespeare, JD Salinger, Tom Wolfe, and Nelson Mandela. It has also attracted political and military leaders, such as Frederick the Great, President Bill Clinton, and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who stated that he has read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations over 100 times.
We hope you will join us. The group is open to the public and has no subscription fee. Stoicism can help you cope with life's stresses, while retaining your ethics & character.
We hope to see you soon!
Upcoming events
96
•OnlineDistinguished Scholar Series: Christopher Gill
OnlineThis is our monthly talk with a scholar in Modern Stoicism or another branch of philosophy.
This month, we welcome Christopher Gill, who is Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at University at Exeter, and he has authored multiple books on ancient philosophy.
Joe Bullock will interview him, and we will have time for Q&A from the audience.TIME
The meeting time is Noon Eastern (USA), 11AM Central, 10AM Mountain, 9AM Pacific. For our international friends, please convert time with this free tool: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
ZOOM INFO
Click to start meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86515406429
If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID 865 5984 3870#
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 USGENERAL
In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in life. A Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, history, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.16 attendees
•OnlineDistinguished Scholar Series: Christopher Gill
OnlineWelcome to our Distinguished Scholar Series with the Philosophy Lab and Orlando Stoics. This month we will be speaking with Christopher Gill.
This is our monthly talk with a scholar in Modern Stoicism or another branch of philosophy.
https://www.meetup.com/philosophy-lab/events/311567586/?slug=philosophy-lab&eventId=311567586
This month, we welcome Christopher Gill, who is Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at University at Exeter, and he has authored multiple books on ancient philosophy.
Joe Bullock will interview him, and we will have time for Q&A from the audience.
TIME
The meeting time is Noon Eastern (USA), 11AM Central, 10AM Mountain, 9AM Pacific. For our international friends, please convert time with this free tool: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
ZOOM INFO
Click to start meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86515406429
If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID 865 5984 3870#
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 USGENERAL
In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in life. A Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, history, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.
9 attendees
•OnlineStoicism, Silicon Valley, and Philosophy - Part II
OnlineThis week, we’ll continue our exploration of Silicon Valley Stoicism—the modern trend of reducing Stoic philosophy to productivity hacks or stress-management tools—and contrast it with the ancient Stoic focus on virtue, natural law, and the common good. We’ll also review Nellie Bowles’ New York Times article, “Why Is Silicon Valley So Obsessed With the Virtue of Suffering?”
In addition, we’ll examine Massimo Pigliucci and Donald Robertson’s thoughtful responses to Bowles’ critique. Both authors clarify that Stoicism is not about self-inflicted suffering, endurance for fame, or emotional suppression. Rather, Stoicism 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.
Questions to Think About
Together, we’ll discuss Stoicism as a philosophy of life and contrast it with Silicon Valley’s instrumental approach to Stoic ideas.Can Stoicism be meaningfully practiced 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=trueResponse: 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/Why Is Silicon Valley So Obsessed With the Virtue of Suffering?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GLwEUYOBOmWHC1zqlgC73wJgVcXAWHw4/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110947935562396183706&rtpof=true&sd=trueTime (USA)
7:00 PM Eastern
6:00 PM Central
5:00 PM Mountain
4:00 PM Pacific
[Convert your time]Zoom Link
Click to Join Meeting
Join by Phone
If you do not have a computer with a camera, you can also dial using a phone.One Tap Mobile
+13092053325,,81756205936#,,,,*069672# US
+13126266799,,81756205936#,,,,*069672# US (Chicago)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.
7 attendees
•OnlineONLINE / SPANISH: CARTAS A LUCILIO DE SENECA
OnlineEsta reunión es cada miércoles a las 7 p.m. EST
CALENDARIO
11/12/2025
Carta 61: La buena disposición de Séneca para la muerte
Carta 77: Sabiduría y serenidad ante la muerte
11/19/2025
Carta 78: Ante las perspectivas de la muerte
Carta 101: Vivamos cada día con plenitud ante la inminencia de la muerteIV. La muerte
11/26/2025
Carta 4: El temor a la muerte nos distrae de la realización de la vida
Carta 30: Cómo debemos esperar la muerte
12/3/2025
Carta 36: Aprendizaje del desprecio a la muerte
Carta 63: Moderación en el duelo por el amigo muerto
12/10/2025
Carta 70: Frente a la vida humillada, la muerte deliberada
Carta 82: Los falsos silogismos de Zenón sobre la muerte
Carta 99: Debemos perseverar en el recuerdo en la muerte de un ser queridoV. Otras cartas
12/17/2025
Carta 40: El discurso de la verdad debe ser sencillo y sin adornos
Carta 47: Trato humano con los esclavos
Carta 75: Sencillez en el estilo.
Carta 84: En la lectura debemos imitar a lasZONAS HORARIAS
Hora de encuentro (EE. UU.):
19:00 h, hora del este
18:00 h, hora central
17:00 h, hora de las montañas
16:00 h, hora del PacíficoPara nuestros amigos internacionales:
Conviertan la hora con la herramienta gratuita
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/ENLACE ZOOM
HAGA CLIC PARA COMENZAR LA REUNIÓN - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7156108004
Si no tienes una computadora con cámara, también puedes marcar usando un teléfono. Elige uno de estos números y agrega el ID 7156108004#
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 USNuestro grupo disfruta de conversaciones abiertas y respetuosas sobre el estoicismo y su relación con la ciencia, la cultura, la filosofía, otros sistemas de creencias e incluso la cultura popular (libros y películas). A veces "acordamos estar en desacuerdo", pero el objetivo a largo plazo es mejorar nuestras mentes a través de debates grupales.
En general, el estoicismo nos enseña cómo manejar personas y eventos difíciles, cómo evitar la ira y la preocupación y, sobre todo, a utilizar la moderación en todos los aspectos de nuestra vida.
Esta reunión es gratuita y abierta al público.
1 attendee
Past events
1577
Group links
Organizers
Members
3,780
