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
97
•OnlineStoicism, Silicon Valley, and Philosophy - Part I
OnlineThis week we’ll explore the ongoing debate around “Silicon Valley Stoicism”—the modern trend of reducing Stoic philosophy to productivity hacks or stress-management strategies—and contrast it with the ancient Stoic focus on virtue, natural law, and the common good. Our readings present two complementary perspectives: Part 1, by Massimo Pigliucci, critiques the misinterpretation of Stoicism as a self-optimization tool for high achievers; Part 2, by Donald Robertson, deepens the discussion by showing how authentic Stoicism is a moral discipline rooted in character and service rather than ego or endurance.
Both writers respond to Nellie Bowles’ New York Times article “Why Is Silicon Valley So Obsessed With the Virtue of Suffering?” which satirically portrays modern tech Stoics as glorifying hardship for prestige. Pigliucci and Robertson both refute these claims, emphasizing that Stoicism is not about self-inflicted suffering or public toughness. Instead, it teaches that wealth, status, and comfort are “preferred indifferents,” subordinate to the pursuit of wisdom and moral integrity. For the Stoics, true freedom lies in aligning one’s will with reason and nature, as exemplified by Zeno the shipwrecked merchant and Epictetus the freed slave—figures who proved that virtue, not visibility, defines the good life.
We’ll discuss how Stoic natural law—the call to live rationally and justly within the order of nature—differs from Silicon Valley’s instrumental use of Stoic ideas. Can Stoicism be practiced in entrepreneurial or high-pressure environments without losing its moral center? How might the four cardinal virtues—courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom—anchor innovation in ethical purpose?
Next week, we’ll turn directly to Bowles’ article itself, examining key passages and exploring how both Pigliucci and Robertson challenge her portrayal of Stoicism as a culture of performative suffering, clarifying what genuine philosophical endurance truly means.
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/Time (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
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82074238843?pwd=tpSbH2MUvr6gI3KLUxPR2yXmrKna3X.1
Join by Phone
If you do not have a computer with a camera, you can also dial using a phone.One Tap Mobile
+16469313860,,82074238843#,,,,*313890# US
+13017158592,,82074238843#,,,,*313890# US (Washington DC)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.
29 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.
2 attendees
•OnlineONLINE / ENGLISH: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
OnlineThis is our series on Donald Robertson’s book “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor”. We will learn about the life of Marcus Aurelius and his philosophy practice. As usual on Friday nights, we will cover the book in-depth; see schedule below.
SCHEDULE
8-08-2025 Chap. 1
8-15-2025 Chap. 1 continued
8-22-2025 Chap. 2
8-29-2025 Chap. 2 continued
9-05-2025 Chap. 3
9-12-2025 Chap. 3 continued
9-19-2025 Chap. 4
9-26-2025 Chap. 4 continued
10-03-2025 Chap. 5
10-10-2025 Chap. 5 continued
10-17-2025 end of Chap 5, and start Chap. 6
10-24-2025 Chap. 6 continued
10-31-2025 Chap. 7
11-07-2025 Chap. 7 continued
11-14-2025 Chap. 8 (just 1 part)
11-21-2025 FinaleREADING MATERIALS
The book is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Various formats are available: audio, paperback, Kindle. Reading in advance is optional; We will collect highlights from each part of the book in an outline for the meeting.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9YYR62
Time
Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM PacificFor our international friends,
Please convert time with the free tool
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/Zoom Info
CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88406764752?pwd=eTMrvI3pQ9WrsOFunluyFZ0XKcNoDN.1
Notice: The following numbers may not be correct. If you don't have a computer with a camera or a microphone, 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 USIn general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and to use moderation in life overall. We will discuss how 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.
8 attendees
•OnlineONLINE: TBD
OnlineTBD
TIMEZONES
For our members in other states:
6:00 AM Pacific Time USA
7:00 AM Mountain Time USA
8:00 AM Central Time USA
9:00 AM Eastern Time USA
In other countries, please convert time using this free tool:
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com
The meeting starts at 9:00AM Eastern Time. After 15 minutes of chat, the presentation starts at 9:15AM sharp.
ZOOM INFO:
CLICK TO JOIN - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83190269900?pwd=Jj1lbWLo3sdhWL830ba4NoF66liJvB.1This group is a combined meeting of the Orlando Stoics and Plato’s Cave members. We enjoy open-minded, respectful conversations. If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree.” The long-term goal is to expand our minds via group discussions.
This meeting is free and open to the public.
5 attendees
Past events
1573
