THE STOIC

JOURNAL OF THE STOIC GYM

DEALING
WITH PAIN
AND FEAR

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2022

 THE STOIC
JOURNAL OF THE STOIC GYM

Our fears, our pains

CHUCK CHAKRAPANI
Do our lives flow well? How can we do better than becoming
dependent on drugs for everyday well
Are you fearful? being? There are mental issues that may be
the result of chemical imbalances, but most
If we ask this question, the chances are that of our everyday fears and anxieties are the
most people would probably respond saying result of our distorted view of reality. This
that they are not. We think that fear is an creates a life that does not flow well.
unworthy emotion found only in cowardly
THE STOIC PROMISE people. So we don’t admit even to ourselves
that we, like everyone else, have our fears
The Stoic solution
If you will listen to me, whoever you and insecurities. The Stoics argued that our fears and pains
are, and whatever you are doing, are the result of our incorrect perception of
you will not feel suffering or anger, Fear and pain are universal. Fear is not just reality. We accept our (first) “impressions”
or compulsion, or hindrance. You something we feel when we face imminent as reality itself and act on them. But in many
danger. It is an everyday experience that cases, our impressions are faulty. We don’t
will pass your time without worries. manifests itself in our everyday worries, act on reality but on our unexamined
anxieties, and even anger. No matter how interpretation of it. When we align our
- EPICTETUS happy we are, from time to time, our mind perception with reality, we live in
harps on future insecurities such as “What accordance with nature. Living in
if I don’t have enough savings?,” “What if I accordance with nature creates a life that
THE STOIC lose my job?”, “What if I miss the flight?”, flows well. Fears, anxieties, and pain are not
“What if ...?”, “What if....?” part of a life that flows well.
Journal of The Stoic Gym
Volume 4 Issue 10 Statistics show (source: NAMI) that The Stoic diagnosis that most of our
October 2022 problems are generated by our incorrect
• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness perception of reality is supported by
© The Stoic Gym, 2022 each year modern neuroscience and is one of the
basic principles of influential modern
Editor • 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental psychotherapies such as Cognitive
Dr. Chuck Chakrapani illness each year Behavioural Thereapy and REBT.
Associate Editor
Kai Whiting • 1 in 6 U.S. youths aged 6-17 experience a In this issue
mental health disorder each year
In this issue, Santara Gonzales explains how
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death she coped with her pain using Stoic
among people aged 10-34 principles. (Another of our contributing
Published by TheStoicGym.com authors. Karen Duffy has been coping with
How do people deal with all this? Here is chronic excruciating pain using Stoicic
Issued free online how: principles as well.)
Subscribe here
One in seven adults report having used You can also read in this issue what the
antidepressent mediation in the past 30 days. The ancient Stoics had to say about fear and
use is higher among women and older adults. pain. Epictetus explains how to be
Follow us on completely free of fear of any kind. Seneca
www.TheStoicGym.com The use of drugs suppresses the symptoms provides six key ideas to eliminating fear and
twitter @thestoicgym but the problems remain. This is not an pain from our lives. Hope you find them
excellent way to live. Surely, there must be useful.
Facebook: The Stoic Gym
better way.
Chuck Chakrapani
THE STOIC 2 OCTOBER 2022
THE STOIC 3 SEPTEMBER 2022
THE STOIC
JOURNAL OF THE STOIC GYM
Pain and fear

Chuck Chakrapani. Our fears, our pains 2

Santara Gonzales. Dealing with our pain: A Stoic Roadmap 5
Epictetus. Freedom from fear 6
Seneca. Overcoming fear and pain: Six key ideas 9
Brandon Tumblin. We don’t own anything 11
Brittany Polat. Natural beauty 14

Stoic every day. Stoic quotes for every day of the month 17
Stoic fellowships around the world 19

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2022

“We can suffer or we can choose to do everything
in our control to relieve our suffering.”

Dealing with pain: A Stoic roadmap

SANTARA GONZALES

Two weeks ago I did not think that I would that“everything hangs on one’s thinking”. Another Stoic approach to pain is asking
be able to write this article. I was experiencing When suffering pain, he writes to his friend ourselves if we are capable of enduring
intense pain in my left arm which prevented Lucilius, worse, or whether we have endured more in
me from performing the simplest tasks. the past. Perhaps we even know someone
“another thing which will help is to turn your mind to who has endured more suffering than we
Redirecting our thoughts to what we other thoughts and that way get away from your have, and they thrived despite the pain.
can control suffering.” Following Seneca, we may think about Putting our pain into perspective and viewing
things we do well or what makes us happy. When it dispassionately and objectively allows us to
Desperately wanting to alleviate my distress, I faced with illness, pain can be a trivial thing if we do recognize that pain ebbs and flows in
turned to the Stoics and found a roadmap to not add to it with negative thoughts. In the same letter, intensity, and may eventually be gone all
relieve my suffering. The Stoic philosopher Seneca writes “comforting thoughts contribute to a together. Seneca reminds us in that letter that
Epictetus urges us (Discourses Book I) to person’s cure; anything which raises his spirits benefits when the pain and suffering have subsided,
distinguish between what is in our control him physically as well”. - Seneca, Moral Letters, we can then find pleasure “in having
and what is not. We can suffer or we can 78. succeeded in enduring something the actual
choose to do everything in our control to enduring of which was very far from
relieve our suffering. This not only includes Pain can be the source of growth and pleasant”. Furthermore, Epictetus, in
remedying the physical pain, but also transformation Enchiridion (10), reassures us that we have the
changing our thinking, which reflects our resources to cope with any challenge, and that
approach to what ails us. Stoicism teaches us that pain can also be the when “faced with pain, you will discover the
source of growth and transformation. We power of endurance”.
No one likes to feel pain. It does not feel
can ask ourselves whether there is a lesson in
good and may keep us from doing things we
our pain or if there is something positive in Endure and grow
enjoy. When experiencing pain, we may even
what we are experiencing. Will our
be prone to catastrophize it. We bemoan it;
circumstances make us stronger or even Pain is unavoidable, and we will surely
wish it did not happen to us, and focus on
provide an opportunity to do something experience it during our lifetime. During
how much we physically hurt. We put our
differently? If you break the right arm, then those times, when we feel our body gripped
pain under a microscope, focusing on
this can be an opportunity to begin writing by pain, we must remember that our attitude
nothing else, and in doing so, we actually
with your left hand. The runner who can no towards suffering is within our control. We
amplify our distress. Redirecting our thinking
longer sprint due to pain, can still train other can choose to either intensify our pain by
to what we can control, our thoughts and focusing on how badly we feel, or we can
runners.
attitudes towards pain, will put us on a path follow the teachings of the Stoics, and accept
of relief. our predicament, meet it with dignity and
When bedridden, we can learn a new
language. Reframing our thinking, and courage, knowing that we can endure and
Our relationship with pain focusing on what we can still do and control, grow in spite of it.
The Stoics provide rich guidance on dealing will help us brave our suffering. When asked Santara Gonzales is the Executive Director and
with pain and suffering. They teach us to what he will make of illness, Epictetus, in co-founder of Wisdom Unlocked, a non-profit
change our relationship with pain; how we Discourses, Book III, Section 20, responds that organization that uses Stoic principles to help people
think about it and approach it. In changing he “will expose its true nature by outdoing cultivate good character in difficult circumstances.
our attitude towards pain, we may find that myself in calmness and serenity”, and that he Please see: https://wisdomunlocked.org
what we viewed as unbearable, actually will turn everything thrown at him into a
becomes bearable. Seneca writes blessing.

OCTOBER 2022
THE STOIC 5 SEPTEMBER 2022
.
Freedom from fear

EPICTETUS
“If you decide that your good and advantage lies only in things that are free and unrestricted and completely under your
control, you will be free, peaceful, unharmed, high-minded, reverent, thankful. ”
Our attachments create our fears rule. But human beings are rational. They Would you have me poor? Bring it on! Then
can think about these things and know that you will see what poverty is when a good
“If you don’t particularly care whether you live or he is a part of them, the kind of part he is, actor is playing the part.
die, and are willing to accept whatever comes your and also to know it is all right for parts to
way, what will stop you from facing a tyrant work for the benefit of the whole. Human
without fear?” beings are noble by nature, high minded, If you decide that your good and
and free rational animals. So, they notice
“Nothing.” that some things around them are free, advantage lies only in things that
“Suppose you felt the same way about your
unrestricted, and under their control, and are free and unrestricted and
others are not. What is within their control
property, your wife, and your children – due to and choice is free and unrestricted. What is completely under your control, you
some madness or desperation – you would not not within their choice and control is unfree
value material things either. It would be like will be free, peaceful, unharmed,
and restricted.
children playing with pieces of broken pottery,
competing with other children in the game. What
high-minded.
Therefore, if you decide that your good and
tyrant, what guards, what swords could still advantage lies only in things that are free
frighten you?” and unrestricted and completely under your Would you like to have me hold office?
control, you will be free, peaceful, Bring it on! Would you like me not to hold
What is within their control and choice is unharmed, high-minded, reverent, thankful
free and unrestricted. What is not within office? Bring it on! Would you like me to
to God for all things, never finding fault suffer hardships? Bring them on, too!
their choice and control is unfree and with anything or blaming anything.
restricted.
Would you like to banish me? Wherever you
On the other hand, if you decide that your ask me to go, I am well with it. Here, where
good and advantage lie in external things I am now, is well with me, not because of
What is within our control and that are outside you control, inevitably you location but because of my judgments.
choice is free and unrestricted. will be hindered and restrained. You will be These judgments I will carry with me
slavish to those who have control over the wherever I go. No one can take these away
What is not within your choice and things that you so admire or fear. You will from me. Those are my only things, they
control is unfree and restricted. necessarily be disrespectful to God because cannot be taken away. I am content to have
you believe that He is harming you, unjust. only those, wherever I am, whatever I do.
You will be trying to claim more than your
proper share and you are bound to become “But it is time for me to die.”
If madness, or habit can make people adopt base and mean-spirited.
such attitude toward these things, can’t
reason and demonstration teach people that What do you mean by “die” Don’t talk
God made everything in the universe? And
External things mean nothing about it as though it is a tragic thing, but the
that the universe is free from hindrance, If you have understood these things, what way it actually is: “It’s time for the materials
self-sufficient, and every part of it serves is there to stop you from living light and that you are made of to go back to where
the needs of the whole? living with ease, from gently awaiting they came from.” What is so terrible about
anything that may happen, and being that? Is the universe going to be any less
because of that? Is anything new or
Align what you want with content with whatever might have
unreasonable about to happen? Is this why
whatever happens happened?
you are afraid of bullies? Or of the
No other animal can understand nature’s weapons their bodyguards carry with them?

THE STOIC 6 OCTOBER 2022

Let others worry about those things. I have hand of the powerful and of their servants. unreasonable about this? What law did I
thought about them and no one is my break? Where you are stronger and
master. God has set me free and I know his But, for me, they are just figs and nuts. superior, I give way to you. So also, where I
commands. No one can enslave me. I have am superior, you give way to me.
the right liberator, and the right judges. “What if, by chance, a fig lands on your
lap?”
“Am I not the master of your body?” Everything that’s born must die, so
“I will pick it up and eat it. A fig has at least
“What’s it to me then?” that much value. But no fig has that much the world may not stand still or
value as to lowering yourself to get it, may be blocked. Once I understood
“Am I not a master of your property?” upsetting someone, being upset by
someone, or flattering someone who can this, it made no difference to me
“What’s it to me then?” give it to me. The same is true of all those whether I die by a fever, a tile, or a
other things that are not any good and
“Am I not the master of your exile and which philosophers have convinced me as soldier.
imprisonment?” being no good.”

“I give you all these, and my body too, whenever Show me the swords of the guards. You excel in what you care about
you please. Test your power and see how far it
goes. Who can I be afraid of now? The officials? “See how big they are, and how sharp.” I care about these things, but you don’t.
What could they do, shut the door on me? Let What you care about is how to live in
them shut the door, if I want to enter it.” “What do they do, these big sharp swords?” marble halls, how to be served by your
staff and servants, how to wear fine
“Then why do you come to the door?” “They kill.” clothes, how to have a variety of hunting
dogs, musicians, and entertainers at your
“Because I think it is fitting for me to take part “And fever, what does it do?” beck and call. Do I ever care about any of
in the game as long as it lasts.” these things? Have you ever, on the other
“The same thing.” hand, cared about judgments? Or about
“Why aren’t you shut out?” reason? You don’t know, do you, about its
“And a tile? What does it do?” different parts, how they are related to one
“Because, if I am shut out, I have desire to go in. another, how they are ordered, what it is
I always want what actually happens. God’s “The same thing.” capable of and what its nature is? Then
judgment is better than my desires. I am his why are you disturbed if someone else who
servant, his follower. His choice is my choice. His “Would you then want me to be in awe of these has studied these things has the advantage
desire is my desire. His will is my will. No one things? Bow before them? Be a slave to them all?” over you in these matters?
can shut me out. Only a person who tries to force
their way in can be shut out.” “Heaven forbid!” “But these are the most important things.”

“Why don’t you try to force your way in, then?” Everything that’s born must die, so the What stops you, then, from turning your
world may not stand still or may be attention to them? And who has better
“Because I know that nothing good is handed to blocked. Once I understood this, it made resources – books, time and people to help
those who force their way in.” no difference to me whether I die by a – than you? You only need to pay attention
fever, a tile, or a soldier. But, if I have to to these matters some day and spend a little
No. When I hear that someone has been compare, I know that a soldier will bring it time understanding your ruling faculty.
honoured by the head of the state, I ask, about relatively painlessly and quickly. Think about what is this faculty that you
“‘What has he gained? Has he also gained Therefore, I know that I don’t fear have, where it came from, how it puts
the judgment needed to govern a province? anything that a tyrant can inflict upon me. everything to the test and then accepts or
Has he gained the capacity to carry out I also know that he doesn’t have anything I rejects.
legal and administrative duties?” Why want.
should I try to force my way in, then? But so long as you concern yourself with
Someone is scattering figs and nuts. The Yield to superior and stronger externals, you will have those, in ways that
children scramble to pick them up and fight things no one else can match. And you will have
among themselves. But not grown-ups, this ruling faculty the way you want it –
because they think it is trivial. But if you See how these arguments lead us to behave dirty and neglected.
scatter broken pieces of pottery, even the right way even towards these fools.
children won’t scramble to get them. They teach us not to claim anything in This an edited extract from Epicteus’s
which they can surpass us. They teach us to Discourses, 3.7 (Stoic Training: Epictetus’
Externals are worthless give way when it comes to our poor body, Discourses Book 3, Stoicism in plain English
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after these, have doors shut on their face, accordance with nature and they are each
let them take a beating, let them kiss the person’s special property. What is

THE STOIC 7 OCTOBER 2022

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Overcoming fear and pain: Six key ideas

SENECA
“Some things torment us more than they should; some earlier than they should; and some when they should not torment us
at all. We exaggerate, or imagine, or anticipate sorrow. Let us put off the �rst of these three faults.”

Stoic thinker Seneca wrote a series of “Moral Facing many difficulties reveals our you never surrendered. You jumped up and
Letters,” 124 in all. Although these letters are strength stood your ground more boldly. For
ostensibly addressed to his protege Lucilius, Seneca courage gains strength when challenged. All
acknowledged that he wrote them for the benefit We can never be sure of our strength until the same, if you will, allow me to offer
future generations. Seneca’s thirteenth letter deals we have faced many difficulties some additional safeguards to strengthen
with fear and pain. This article is an edited, plain yourself.
English version of Seneca’s observations. In this I know you have plenty of spirit – even
letter Seneca presents six ideas to overcome fear and before you began to equip yourself with More things are likely to frighten us,
pain and points out that most of our fears are teachings which are wholesome and Lucilius, than to crush us; we suffer more
imaginary and that we suffer more in imagination overcome obstacles, you were taking pride often in imagination than in reality. I am not
than in reality in dealing with fortune. This is even more speaking with you as a Stoic but in my
true now as you have come to grips with it natural style. It is our Stoic style to dismiss
and tested your strength. We can never be
Fear and pain: Six key ideas things that provoke cries and groans as
sure of our strength until we have faced unimportant and not worth noticing. You
1. We suffer more in imagination than in many difficulties that come to us from and I should drop such great words even
reality. More things frighten us than every side and until the moment when they though, heaven knows, they are true. I
crush us. We exaggerate, or imagine, or have come quite close. It is the only way advise you not to be unhappy before the
anticipate sorrow. that the true spirit can be tested – the spirit crisis comes. The things you fear as if
that will not give in to any judgment but its thought they were impending may never
2. Your troubles relate to something that own. happen. Certainly, they have not happened
has already happened or something that yet.
will happen in the future.
No fighter can go with high Some things torment us more than they
3. If it is about the present, check to see if should; some earlier than they should; and
your body is free and healthy and free of
spirits into the contest if he has
some when they should not torment us at
pain. If everything is alright, you have never been beaten badly. all. We exaggerate, or imagine, or anticipate
nothing to worry about. sorrow. Let us put off the first of these
three faults because it is still under
4. If it is about the future, find out if there’s This is the test of such a spirit: no fighter discussion and the jury is out on that
any reliable evidence for that or you are can go with high spirits into the contest if question. Something I call trivial is serious
imagining or exaggerating things. Even if he has never been beaten badly. The only in your estimation. I know that some people
you are not imagining things, things may contestant who can confidently enter the will laugh when whipped while others groan
not turn out the way you anticipate. contest is the man who has seen his own when just slapped. We will discuss later
blood, who has felt his teeth rattle beneath whether such things have power through
5. Even if you decide that something is his opponent’s fist, who has lost his footing their own strength or from our weakness.
most likely to happen, why be unhappy and felt the full force of his adversary’s
until it actually happens? Why rush to charge, who has been downed in body but Do not go by other people’s
meet misery? not in spirit, one who, every time he falls, opinions
rises again with greater defiance than ever.
6. Learn to live in the present. Don’t be Do me a favour. When people around you
foolish and forever be making plans to To continue with this analogy, fortune has try to convince you that you are unhappy,
live. often got the upper hand with you and yet don’t listen to what they say but consider

THE STOIC 9 OCTOBER 2022

how you actually feel. Question yourself fear is so destructive and so uncontrollable of the votes, go in the other direction
because you know your affairs better than as panic. Other fears are baseless, but this anyway. Stop troubling yourself. Remember
anyone else. Ask yourself “Why are these fear is mindless. that most people get upset and excited even
people commiserating with me? Why when there is nothing bad in the present or
should they be worried? Why should they Let us look at this carefully. We will likely definite in the future. No one halts himself
be afraid even to come into contact with face some troubles in the future. But it is when urged to go ahead. Nor does he
me, as though troubles are contagious? Is not true as of now. How often has the regulate his fear based on reality. No one
there any evil involved or is it just a matter unexpected happened? How often has the says, “The author of the story is a fool; the
of reputation?” Then ask yourself “Am I expected never happened? Even if it is person who believes it is a fool; and the
suffering for no reason? Am I miserable? certain to happen, what good is it to run person who made it up is a fool as well.”
Am I making something bad when it is out to meet it? You will suffer soon enough We are carried away by every breeze. We are
not?” when it comes. Meanwhile, look forward to frightened by uncertainties, as if they were
better things. What do you gain by doing certain. We observed no moderation. The
this? Time. slightest thing tips the scales and throws us
When people around you try to immediately into panic.
convince you that you are Many things will happen in the meanwhile
unhappy, don’t listen towhat they
that may help you avoid the approaching You can win even if the worst
danger. Even if the danger is near or happens
say but consider how you actually already at hand, you may be able to
postpone, end, or pass it on to another I am ashamed to speak to you this way –
feel. Question yourself because you person. The fire has an escape route. criticizing you severely or trying to charm
know your affairs better than People have been let down softly by a you with such gentle remedies. Others may
catastrophe. The sword is right at the say, “Perhaps the worst won’t happen”. But
anyone else. you must say “Well, what if it does happen?
throat and then withdrawn. Condemned
people have survived the executioners. Let’s who wins. Perhaps it will happen for
Even bad fortune is changeable. Perhaps it my best interests. Such a death will bring
How to know if you are imagining will happen, perhaps it won’t. But it is not honour to my life.” It was the hemlock that
things happening now. So look forward to better made Socrates great. Take away from Cato,
things. the vindicator of liberty, his sword, and you
You may say, “How am I to know whether take away of much of his glory.
my sufferings are real or imaginary?” Here At times, even when there are no signs to
is the rule: We are troubled by things that indicate that there is anything bad on the But I am urging you far too long when
have happened already, things that may way, the mind imagines false things. It takes what you need is reminding rather than
happen in the future or both. As to what is some ambiguous word and gives it the worst urging. I am not leading you on a different
happening now, the decision is easy. If your possible interpretation. Or it imagines that path than the one you are naturally inclined
body is free and healthy and you are not in some personal grudge is more serious than to follow. You were born to such conduct
pain from any injury, today there is nothing it really is. It doesn’t consider how angry the as I describe. Therefore, there is all the
wrong with it. We can wait to see what may enemy is but to what lengths he may go if he more reason why you should grow the
happen in the future. is angry. But if we fully indulge in our fears, goodness in you and embellish it.
life is not worth living and there is no end to
You may reply, “But still something will our suffering. Let foresight help you here The fool is always “preparing” to
happen.” First, find out whether there is and disapprove with a resolute spirit even live
any reliable evidence that there will be when danger is in plain sight. If you cannot
trouble. It is more often the case that we do this, counter one weakness with another. As I end this letter, I only have to put the
are troubled by our own fears. Rumour Balance your fear with hope. There is seal upon it; that is, to commit some noble
mocks us. It brings down the battle and nothing so certain among these things to message to be delivered to you: “The fool,
brings down individuals even more. Yes, fear. It is more certain that the things we fear with all his other faults, has this as well: He
my dear Lucilius, we agree too quickly with sink into nothing and that things we hope is always getting ready to live.” Think, my
what people say. We do not investigate the for cause pain. esteemed Lucilius, what this saying means
things that frighten us. We don’t examine and you will understand how sickening it is
them. We tremble and retreat like soldiers that people are fickle, every day laying new
who abandon their camp because of a dust When the situation is uncertain, foundations for life, building fresh hopes
of cloud kicked up by a herd of cattle, or even when they are about to die.
decide in your favour and believe
like people who are terrified by some
unverified gossip. what you prefer. If fear wins the Look within your own mind for individual
cases. You will think of old men preparing
majority of the votes, go in the themselves for a political career, for travel,
How to deal with imaginary
dangers
other direction anyway. or for business. What is lower than getting
ready to live when you are already old? I
Somehow or other, it is the idle reports that would not name the author of this saying
disturb us most. Real dangers have inherent Therefore, carefully consider your hopes except that it is a one of the less famous
limits. But things that arise from and fears alike. When the situation is sayings of Epicurus, which I allowed
uncertainty are given over to guesswork uncertain, decide in your favour and believe myself to praise and to take over.
and unrestrained anxiety. That is why no what you prefer. If fear wins the majority

THE STOIC 10 OCTOBER 2022

“Every moment you get the opportunity to experience the full richness of existence. That can take
many forms, from developing a virtuous habit to appreciating a beautiful sunset to feeling deep
gratitude for a loved one.”

We don’t own anything

BRANDON TUMBLIN

The delusion of ownership communicate in ways that give the fruition. Therefore, we do not own all our
impression of ownership – that is my time, but we are fortunate enough to own
There's a very helpful idea in Stoicism that
we don't own anything in life. Of course, phone, this is my house. Of course, this present moment.
there are some obvious examples – you societies are built on the idea that there are
don't own externals, such as other people or some material possessions that you have These moments are fleeting; they are
other people's possessions – but at the same ownership of. However, it is helpful to infinitely small “dots” in time. And that is
time, we often fall victim to routine and consider this for what it truly is – a social what you are guaranteed. The question then
assume that we do, in fact, own everything agreement. becomes, as a Stoic, what do you choose to
around us. We even seem to think, in many do with that time?
ways, that we own those closest to us. This Your phone isn’t truly your phone; it’s just a
is a delusion that needs to be removed from
our lives. phone! If it breaks, you will throw it away. Every moment you get the opportunity to
If it’s strong enough to last a long time, you experience the full richness of existence.
will use it every day, yet you will still not That can take many forms, from developing
Our beginning own it. A phone is a compilation of raw a virtuous habit to appreciating a beautiful
When we are born, we have nothing. In materials, morphed in a particular way, and sunset to feeling deep gratitude for a loved
fact, you could argue that we have less than exchanged to you for money. You may use one (for, after all, who knows when they
nothing – we lack the capacity to even be it, but there’s no universal law dictating that may leave?).
self-sufficient. It’s true that for a human it belongs to you, other than the laws made
being to reach adulthood, someone at some and dictated by man. Like the Stoic practice of memento mori
point in time had to care for them in some (meditating on one’s death) – many get the
capacity (and that is something to be Relationships impression that reflecting on the delusion
grateful for). Everything we “have” as a of ownership is the road to sadness.
child is given to us; we come into this world As odd as it may seem, we often make the However, Stoics do not aim to marinate in
naked, kicking, screaming, and with no mistake of thinking about the people in our negative emotions aimlessly. Rather, they
possessions whatsoever. lives as our own. It is my mother and my practice perspective so that they have more
husband. This, of course, is as delusional as of an appreciation for the beautiful aspects
owning material possessions. You are not
Our end guaranteed any other time than the present
of life and can better prioritize their lives.

In a similar way, we leave this life with moment with your loved ones. They could You may start, end, and live this life with
nothing. We don’t even get a safe deposit leave you tomorrow – either voluntarily or nothing, but that doesn’t mean that you are
box to take with us! Sure, you can spend involuntarily. powerless. In the face of this delusion of
your life making money and spending that ownership, why don’t we all make an effort
money on material possessions, but upon The importance of perspective to make this experience as rich as we
meeting our death, none of those things possibly can? Certainly, I can’t think of
can come with us. The rich and poor leave The Stoics were masters of perspective.
Here is a tremendously useful one: there’s anything better to do.
this world alike.
not that much we own. Perhaps the one
thing you can say we truly own is our time. Brandon is most well-known for his podcast, The
Our life And no, not all our time. Our past is gone, Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses
I’m sure most can accept that we are both far outside of our control. We hold onto the philosophical ideas both solo and with guests. He
born with nothing, and we die with nothing, potential of a future, but potentials are also coaches individuals to help them be their best
but what about the middle? What about named as such because there is no selves, writes articles, plays music, manages projects,
throughout our lives? We often guarantee that they will ever come to and several other things.

THE STOIC 11 OCTOBER 2022

 FOR
STOICISM LIFE
Learn the fundamentals of
Be free no matter what
Stoicism in 10 short weeks
HOW TO BE A STOIC WHEN UNSHAKABLE
YOU DON’T KNOW HOW FREEDOM

A UNIQUE 10-WEEK ACHIEVING UNSHAKABLE

SELF-STUDY COURSE FREEDOM
This carefully designed course aims to teach the basic principles How can we achieve total personal freedom when we have so
of Stoicism in simple English with modern examples. Each many obligations and so many demands on our time? Is
week’s lesson starts with a big idea, followed by a discussion of personal freedom even possible? Yes, it is possible, said the
how it works in practice, supported by a Stoic exercise to Stoics and gave us a blueprint for freedom. The teachings form
reinforce it, and a Stoic quote. the basis of modern cognitive therapy.
In his book, Unshakable Freedom, Dr. Chuck Chakrapani
outlines the Stoic secretsfor achieving total freedom, no
HOW DOES THE COURSE WORK? matter who you are and what obstacles you face in life. Using
modern examples, Chuck explores how anyone can achieve
The course has ten lessons, one for each week. Each lesson personal freedomby practicing a few mind-training
techniques.
starts with an explanation of a critical Stoic concept and how it
applies to your daily life. Three specially-selected readings from The book is built around six big ideas: Problems are only problems
modern and ancient Stoics follow this. In the third section of if you believe they are; Leave your past behind; Don’t let the indifferents
each lesson, you are given a carefully created exercise for the rob your freedom; Where there is fear, freedom is not; You can never lose
week so you can apply your understanding to your daily life. anything because you don’t own anything; Life is a festival. Enjoy it now.
You are given a quote to repeat throughout the day for each
day of the week.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? ABOUT THIS BOOK
One of the best books on Stoicism…Please go and read it. –
Here is what you will learn in ten weeks: Donald Robertson, Author How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
• The foundational principles of Stoicism This book is probably one of the best introductions to Stoicism that I’ve
read… The philosophy seems crystal clear and the use of examples from
• Four special skills we need to practice Stoicism various famous philosophers and modern role models makes it engaging and
• Three disciplines we need to develop easyto read. I really think Chuck has a way of expressingStoic ideas that’s
very clear and concise...I’m not sure how he managed to cover so much ground
• How to live a Stoic life so well in so few pagesbut he did, and I find that very impressive... Chuck’s
book is a page-turner that gives you more bang for your buck… So please just
• How to enjoy the festival of life. go and read it.
By the time you finish the course, you should have a solid A wonderful book – Dr. Gregory Sadler, Sadler’s Honest Book Reviews
understanding of the foundations of Stoicism and how to apply If you want to apply [the Stoic principles] right away, it is a wonderful
what you have learned to your daily life. And, most importantly, book for that. This will help a lot of people.This is a gateway book.
you will learn how to enjoy the festival of life!
Choosethisbook – Robert Cialdini, Author of Influence
Get your copy of the course today! Chuck Chakrapani reveals for modern eyes what the ancient
https://amzn.to/2PioGFc Stoics knew: True freedom comesfrom choosing wisely. Here’s an
aligned piece of advice – choose this book.
Get your copy here! https://amzn.to/2NKcSx7

THE STOIC 12 OCTOBER 2022

 ai w HOW TO LIVE LIKE

le
! Marcus
av o
b
la
n

Aurelius
A guided journal for daily practice

WHAT IT IS
How to Live Like Marcus Aurelius offers awayto leada
life that is worth living: alife that is pleasant,sereneand
alife that is not a struggle.
No matter how much time wedevoteto reading Marcus
Aurelius, no benefit will comeof it unlesswepractice
what hesays.But how do wepractice it? That’s where
this journal comesin.

HOW IT WORKS
For eachdayof the year,this book hasthree sections:
THINK (a short, carefully selectedquotefrom Marcus
Aurelius), PRACTICE (a brief suggestionon how to
practice the quote),andWRITE (spacefor you to write
your thoughts and experiences).

H O W M U C H T I M E D O E S I T TA K E
Thequotesand practices aresostructured asnot to
demandmore than afew minutes of your time everyday.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

You canhaveacompletely new outlook on life - alife
full of confidence,kindness,serenity, and beauty- by
practicing the excercisesfor the next 52weeks: It is
hard to think and practice MarcusAurelius every day
for ayearand not betransformed by that experience.

READ THE FIRST TWO WEEKS GET SAMPLE LESSONS FREE

FREE HERE! If you want to testdrive the journal you candownload

the first three weekslessonsfor free.
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Natural beauty
“... we can �nd beauty in our companions and
environment no matter where we are. Instead of
longing for “beautiful” objects or surroundings,
we can identify the deep beauty that resides in
every person, place, and thing. ”

BRITTANY POLAT

Stoicism and beauty are not words you hear Like more prosaic types of beauty, it has a matter of seeing the beauty in whatever is
together very often, perhaps because our forceful impact on the observer. Unlike already around us – the existing order of
culture tends to associate beauty with physical beauty, however, moral beauty things. When we develop a deep love of life
external (non-virtuous) things: physical often inspires virtue in others. Seneca says as it is, we appreciate the underlying beauty
appearance, luxury goods, expensive real moral beauty is “appreciated,” “beloved,” of wrinkled skin and the foaming mouth of
estate, or picture-perfect vacations. For and “revered,” and in fact 21st century a wild boar, even if they are not
Stoics these “goods” may be aesthetically psychology research confirms the conventionally attractive. These things are
pleasing, but they are merely preferred inspirational nature of moral beauty beautiful simply because they are a part of
indifferents, not goods in themselves. While (Diessner, R., Iyer, R., Smith, M., and Haidt, the universe, and the universe is beautiful.
we can certainly appreciate them in passing, J. Who engages with moral beauty? Journal of
we don’t devote ourselves to acquiring Moral Education, 2013). When we That means we can find beauty in our
them. encounter moral beauty in someone, we companions and environment no matter
experience a “moral elevation” that inspires where we are. Instead of longing for
Types of beauty worth pursuing us toward our own morally beautiful “beautiful” objects or surroundings, we can
thoughts and actions. identify the deep beauty that resides in
But there are other types of beauty that, every person, place, and thing. We look not
from a Stoic perspective, are worth to their physical appearance but to the part
Appreciation for the natural world
pursuing. they play in the beautiful and vast cosmic
Another type of Stoic beauty is order.
Moral beauty appreciation for the natural world around
us. As Stoics, we should actively appreciate
One type is moral beauty – the beauty of Appreciating conventional beauty
the inherent beauty of our astonishing
virtue and everything associated with it. A universe. Not just beautiful vistas or Of course, we can still appreciate
virtuous character, representing the best photogenic fauna, but everything. Thus, conventionally attractive things as preferred
human of nature, is beautiful in its own indifferents, but not in a way that mistakes
right. Here is Seneca painting a vivid Truths as this should be carefully noted, that even them for true goods. To live a good and
portrait of moral beauty in the sage: the by-products of natural processes have a certain happy life, we should spend less energy
charm and attractiveness… Ears of corn bending pursuing indifferent beauty and more
If we could examine the mind of a good man, O toward the earth, and the wrinkled brows of a lion, energy pursuing true beauty. As Marcus
what a beautiful, what a sacred sight we would see! and the foam dripping from the jaws of a wild boar, Aurelius reminds us, if we cultivate deep
What grandeur, what calm would shine forth in it, and many other things are far from beautiful if one enough insight into the workings of the
and what constellations of the virtues: justice on one views them in isolation, but nevertheless, the fact universe, we will take real pleasure in the
side, courage on the other, moderation and prudence that they follow from natural processes gives them an simple and natural things around us.
over there. Besides these, frugality, self-control, added beauty and makes them attractive to us. So
endurance, generosity, and cheerfulness would shed if a person is endowed with sensibility and has a
their light upon it … what grace, and, by god, what deep enough insight into the workings of the Brittany Polat, author of Tranquility Parenting:
dignity would these bestow! How great its authority universe, he will find scarcely anything which fails to A Guide to Staying Calm, Mindful, and En-
would be, and how much appreciated: beloved it please him in some way by its presence… - Marcus gaged, holds a Ph.D. in applied linguistics but cur-
would be, yet at the same time revered. - Seneca, Aurelius, Meditations, 3.2 rently researches and writes about Stoic psychology
Letters on Ethics, 115.3 and philosophy. Brittany's latest project is Living
Finding beauty in the natural world is not a in Agreement, where she applies her lifelong in-
Moral beauty, as Seneca describes it, elicits matter of seeking out aesthetically pleasing terest in human nature to the discourse and practice
not an aesthetic reaction but a spiritual one. people, objects, or settings. Rather, it’s a of inner excellence.

THE STOIC 14 OCTOBER 2022

 Stoic every day
Stoic quotes for every day of the month

1 7

We are given the faculty of understanding. To achieve our proper I am ready to show you that you have resources, strength of
purpose in life, we need to act appropriately and methodically, in line character, and resilience. I challenge you to show me what grounds
with our nature. [Epictetus D1.6] you have to complain and be reproachful. [Epictetus D1.46

2 8

When you look at how tiresome it is to live in the company of You can also be unjust by not acting.. [Marcus Aurelius, M9.5]
people with conflicting principles, it is enough to make you cry to
death. “Come quickly, before I too forget who I am.” [Marcus 9
Aurelius, M9.3]
Anger is hideous, and we should not be afraid of it. [Seneca, A1.11]
3
10
We are in a prolonged struggle against constant and prolific evils.
Not to eradicate them, but merely to make sure they don’t Establish what is true, eliminate what is false, and suspend judgment
overwhelm us. [Seneca, A1.10] in doubtful cases. [Epictetus D1.7]

4 11

It is shameful for a human being to begin and end where irrational It is enough if your opinion is based on understanding, your action
animals do. We should begin where they do, but only end in on unselfishness, and your attitude on acceptance. [Marcus Aurelius,
contemplation and understanding, and adopt a way of life in M9.6]
harmony with nature. [Epictetus D1.6]
12
5
Nature has proclaimed that whatever becomes great by creating fear
When you cause harm, you harm yourself. When are unjust, you are in others is not free from fear itself. [Seneca, A1.11]
unjust to yourself because you make yourself bad. [Marcus Aurelius,
M9.4] 13

6 If you ask me what makes a person good, I can only say it is found
in the quality of choices he makes. [Epictetus D1.78
I would not want fear, which is a weapon of a wild animal, to be a
weapon for the wise as well. [Seneca, A1.11]

THE STOIC 15 OCTOBER 2022

14 23

Erase your imagination. Check your impulse. Reduce your appetites. Nature is indifferent to some things. If it had a preference between
Let reason rule supreme. [Marcus Aurelius, M9.7] two things, it wouldn’t have created both. If we want to follow
nature, we should have her mindset and share her indifference. To
15 prefer life or death, pleasure or pain, fame or disrepute is a sin.
Nature does not prefer one over the other. [Marcus Aurelius, M9.1]
There is no reason, then, for any wise person to wish to be feared.
[Seneca, A1.11] 24

16 There is nothing so hard and challenging that our mind cannot

overcome it with regular practice. [Seneca, A1.11]
Are you, a philosopher and citizen of the universe, going to be
dependent on others when you travel? [Epictetus D1.8] 25

17 We flatter those we think can help us and fear those we think can
hurt us. [Epictetus D1.8]
All of us who see and breathe see the same light and breathe the
same air. [Marcus Aurelius, M9.8] 26

18 Reason too bears fruit, both for itself and for the world. From it
comes the harvest of other good things, all in turn bearing the
We fear anger just as children fear the dark, or wild animals fear red stamp of reason. [Marcus Aurelius, M9.10]
feathers. It has nothing stable or robust, but it affects feeble minds.
[Seneca, A1.11] 27

19 There are no passions so fierce and independent that they cannot be

brought under control by discipline. [Seneca, A1.11]
Your stay here is brief, and it is easy enough to endure for people
with your level of understanding. Rigidity can come about in two 28
ways: Either one's intellect is frozen, or one's sense of honour is.
[Epictetus D1.8] It is silly and superfluous to get from another person what you can
get for yourself. [Epictetus D1.8]
20
29
It is easier to see a fragment of earth away from earth than to see a
human being with no connection to fellow human beings [Marcus Teach them better if you can. If not, remember, kindliness has been
Aurelius, M9.9] given to you for times like these. [Marcus Aurelius, M9.11]

21 30

You must erase anger from your mind before letting virtues in There are a thousand other instances of persistence overcoming all
because virtues and vices cannot coexist. [Seneca, A1.11] obstacles. They prove that nothing is complicated when the mind
has set itself to endure. Seneca, A1.11]
22
31
Why cry and complain? Why flatter or envy others? Why admire
those with possessions, especially when they are powerful and quick Why should I look to get an estate, money, or some position from
to anger? [Epictetus D1.8] anyone else? No, I will not be so insensitive to what I already
have. [Epictetus, D1.8]
M: Meditations; D: Discorses A: On Anger

THE STOIC 16 OCTOBER 2022

 IN PLAIN
STOICISM ENGLISH

MUSONIUS RUFUS: THE COMPLETE WORKS (IN ONE VOLUME)

STOIC LESSONS
This is the complete works of Musonius Rufus, the man
who taught Epictetus. While Musonius was very well-
known and respected during his time, he is less widely
known now. He was a social activist, a proto-feminist, a
vegetarian,and a minimalist. No topic is too small or too
big for him. Here are some of the topics Musonius
discusses in this book:
Why women and men are equal, why hardships are of little
importance, why everyone should study philosophy, why where you live
or are forced to live is of no importance, how not to take things
personally, how to live “according to nature”, how to live a
virtuous family life, and how to lead a simple life. Musonius
shows why, ifyou keep practicing virtue, you don’t need anything
special in your old age.
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3f5z7sO

MARCUS AURELIUS: THE COMPLETE WORKS (2 VOLUMES)

STOIC MEDITATIONS
(MEDITATIONS)

Meditations is the personal journal kept by the beloved

Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was never meant for
publication and yet, after his death, it became the most
widely read book on Stoicism. Meditations is a deeply moving
personal journal which is uplifting and invigorating.
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AURELIUS THE UNKNOWN

(LETTERS, ANECDOTES AND BIO)

While Meditations is one of the best-read Stoic books, not

many of us know about Marcus’ other writings: his
personal letters and speeches. For the firsttime ever,
Aurelius, the Unknown presents all his letters and speeches in
a single volume. This volume also includes a biographic
sketch and several anecdotesfrom his life. A must-read for
all fans of MarcusAurelius. https://amzn.to/3rjRzQD
THE –STOIC 18 APRIL 2021
 IN PLAIN
STOICISM ENGLISH

EPICTETUS:THE COMPLETE WORKS (5 VOLUMES)

assent. You need to train your mind to be concerned only with

STOIC FOUNDATIONS the choices you make and be ready to deal with whatever the
(DISCOURSES BOOK 1) future may bring. It is not necessaryfor you to be ascetic. All you
need to do is see things as they are without adding your
judgments to things, people, and events. It is your faulty
Stoic Foundations is an excellent place to start your Stoic journey. Stoic judgments that are the root causeof 100% of your problems. The
Foundations explains the foundational principles of Stoicism and aim of Stoic training is your happiness, your abilityto be at home
revolves around 10 themesthat are fundamental to Stoicism. These are: wherever you are doing whatever you are doing.
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1. Concern yourself with only what is in your power; 2. Becontent to let things
happen asthey do; 3.Your thinking, not the externals, drives your behaviour; 4.Do
not placevalue on external things; 5. Evaluate your first impressions using reason;
6.Don’t give in to your anger or animal instincts; 7. You canhandle anything; STOIC FREEDOM
alwaysact your best; 8. Learn to think properly and logically; 9. Practice,not (DISCOURSES BOOK 4)
knowledge,results in progress; 10. Only you can make you happy.
https://amzn.to/3eXOjrP In Stoic Freedom, Epictetus is at his best. He shows us how to
achieve freedom – how to be free irrespective of what happens
to us. In these brilliant discourses, Epictetus showsus how to
STOIC CHOICES be free and what a free person looks like. Who is a free person?
(DISCOURSES BOOK 2) According to Epictetus a free person is patient, pure, and
steadfast. Such a person is not envious or anxious, and is not in
Stoic Choices is an indispensable guide to making decisions when conflict with anyone.If you want to be truly free, this book
We arefacedwith conflicting choices: It provides clear answers offers some powerful ways of achieving freedom.
to question suchas: https://amzn.to/2NDAqDZ
What should you act upon: External things or internal things? When should
you choose to beconfident and when to be cautious in making decisions? What
should you protect: Your inherent qualities or qualities that are not inherent to STOIC INSPIRATIONS
you?Is there a choice between knowledge and action? Is there (ENCHIRIDION, FRAGMENTS, EXTRACTS)
choice betweenknowledge and anxiety? Should you study logic? Why? Should
you choose to be faithful? What should you do to fight falseimpressions? Stoic Inspirations is the fifth book in the Stoicism in Plain
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English series and completes the works of Epictetus. It contains
Epictetus’ sayings (Fragments) someof which are not found in
Discourses, a concise summary of Epictetus’ eachings (Enchiridion)
STOIC TRAINING by Flavius Arrian, inspirational extracts (Golden Sayings)from
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(DISCOURSES BOOK 3) Epictetus.
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Stoic training consists of three disciplines: desire, action, and

THE STOIC
THE STOIC 22 OCTOBER 2022
 Stoic fellowships around the world
AUSTRALIA
Adelaide The Adelaide Stoics https://www.facebook.com/theadelaidestoics
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Melbourne Melbourne City Stoics meetup.com/Melbourne-City-Stoics/

Linz Stoa Linz/Austria philopraxis-holzinger.com
BRAZIL
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CANADA
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CHILE
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Santiago Via Estoica @viaestoica (IG)
DENMARK
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FINLAND
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FRANCE
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GERMANY
Berlin Berlin Stoics https://www.berlinstoics.com/
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GREECE
Athens Athens Greece Stoa www.alkistis.net
IRELAND
Dublin Stoicism Ireland https://www.stoicism.com/groups/421494508894837/
IRAQ
Baghdad Stoa Iraq https://instagram.com/stoa.iraq?utm_medium=copy_link
ISRAEL

Tel Aviv-Yafo Stoa Tel Aviv-Yafo https://www.facebook.com/groups/stoatelaviv

JAPAN
Ishigaki Asia-Pacific Virtual Stoa https://www.meetup.com/Asia-Pacific-Virtual-Stoa/
Tokyo Tokyo Stoics https://www.meetup.com/Tokyo-Stoicism-Meetup-Group/
KENYA
Ogemno Ogembo Stoic Center https://stoicfellowship.com/contact
MEXICO
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MONGOLA
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NEW ZEALAND
Auckland Central Auckland Stoics https://meetu.ps/c/4wMjj/BD9pB/d
Christchurch Christchurch Stoics https://christchurch.stoics.nz/
NORWAY
Norway Norway Stoics https://norwaystoics.com/
Oslo Oslo Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/1426454074046215
Trondheim Trondheim Stoics https://www.meetup.com/trondheim-stoics/
RUSSSIA
Moscow Moscow Stoa https://www.facebook.com/groups/russianstoa
Moscow Stoicism21 https://vk.com/stoicism21
Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Stoahttps://www.facebook.com/groups/saintpetersburgstoa
SOUTH AFRICA
Pretoria Pretoria Stoics Facebook.com/PretoriaStoics/
SPAIN
Barcelona Stoa Barcelona https://www.stoabarcelona.com/
Madrid Stoa Madrid https://www.stoamadrid.es/
THAILAND
Bangkok Stoicism Thailand https://www.facebook.com/groups/2927535507521732/?ref=share_group_link
UK
Bristol https://www.meetup.com/bristol-stoicism-meetup-group/
Bristol Stoicism Meetup
Cambridge Cambridge Stoics https://www.meetup.com/Cambridge-Stoics/
Edinburgh/Glasgow The Scotland Stoics https://sites.google.com/view/the-scotland-stoics/home
London London Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/590322861173235/
Manchester The Manchester Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/398232340356000
UKRAINE
Kyiv https://psysk.com
Arizona
 Stoic fellowships
around the world
(Contd.)
USA
Arizona
Phoenix Phoenix Stoics https://meetu.ps/c/4sFL1/HWCnL/a
Tempe Arizona Stoics https://www.meetup.com/arizona-stoics/
Tucson Tucson stoa None - contact TSF
Arkansas
Fayetteville Fayetteville Stoicism https://www.meetup.com/Fayetteville-Stoicism-Meetup-Group/
California
Fremont ca Fremont Stoa https://www.meetup.com/Fremont-Stoics/
Los Angeles Los Angeles Stoics www.losangelesstoics.com
Monterey Monterey Stoics https://www.meetup.com/Monterey-Stoicism-Meetup-Group/
Sacramento The SMF Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/4622624657828673/
San Diego San Diego Stoics https://sites.google.com/view/sandiegostoics/home
San Leandro The Redwood Stoa https://www.meetup.com/the-Redwood-Stoa/
Colorado
Denver Denver Stoics https://www.meetup.com/Denver-Stoics/
DC
Washington, DC Stoics of Washington, D.C.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2066498443583764
Delaware (Online group)
Hockessin Stoi-Cinema https://forms.gle/tqTZcVdw3n2h4ZjZ9
Florida
Daytona Beach Stoics of Daytona Beach http://meetup.com/stoics

Jacksonville Jacksonville Stoics www.meetup.com/jacksonville-stoics/

Orlando Orlando Stoics http://meetup.com/orlando-stoics
Tampa Tampa Stoics http://meetup.com/tampa-stoics
Georgia
Atlanta Atlanta Stoicism Group https://www.meetup.com/Atlanta-Stoicism-Meetup-Group/
Iowa
Ames Ames Stoics https://www.meetup.com/ames-stoics/
Kansas
Olathe Kansas City Stoa https://www.instagram.com/kcstoa/
Wichita Wichita Stoa https://www.facebook.com/groups/593958165117164
Massachusetts
Boston New England stoics www.nestoics.org
Michigan
Pleasant Ridge M1 Stoa https://stoa-woodward-corridor.mailchimpsites.com/
Minnesota
Minneapolis Minnesota Stoics https://www.meetup.com/Minnesota-Stoics/
Montana
Helena Helena Stoicism Reading Grhttps://www.meetup.com/helena-stoicism-reading-group
New Jersey
Holmdel The Stoic Society https://www.meetup.com/the-stoic-society/
New York
New York New York City Stoics https://www.meetup.com/New-York-City-Stoics/
New York City New York Agora https://www.meetup.com/new-york-agora/
Saratoga Springs Saratoga Springs Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/1023617094881685
Ohio
Cleveland/Akron Northeast Ohio Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/439745464171988
Oregon
Portland PDX Virtual Stoa http://pdxstoa.club/
Pennsylvania
Kennett Square Brandywine Stoics https://stoicfellowship.com/contact.html (put in touch through Stoic Fellowship)
Philadelphia The Philadelphia Stoa https://www.meetup.com/Philadelphia-Stoics/
Tennessee
Nashville Nashville Stoics https://www.meetup.com/nashville-stoics/
Texas
Austin Austin Stoics https://meetu.ps/c/3vdH8/trvbs/d
Fort Worth https://www.meetup.com/the-stoic-network-dfw-area/
DFW Area Stoic Network
Houston The Houston Stoics https://www.meetup.com/The-Houston-Stoics/
San Antoio San Antonio Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/452723076390876
Utah
Orem Wasatch Stoics https://www.facebook.com/groups/wasatchstoics
Vermont
Burlington Burlington Stoicism Group https://www.meetup.com/Burlington-Stoicism-Group/
Virginia
Virginia Beach Hampton Roads Stoics https://m.facebook.com/groups/577763896599662/
Washington
Bellingham Bellingham Stoics https://www.meetup.com/Bellingham-Stoicism-Meetup/
Wisconsin
Milwaukee Milwaukee Stoic Fellowshiphttps://www.meetup.com/MKE-Stoic-Fellowship/
 IN PLAIN
STOICISM AnA

ENGLISH

SENECA (THE COMPLETE WORKS, IN PROGRESS)

THE BOOK OF ANGER

STOIC TRANQUILITY
(IN TWO VOLUMES)
Seneca’s On Anger, one of the best books ever written on the In this gentle book, Seneca explains
subject, is a detailed analysis of anger: what causes it, what how to achieve a tranquil life, and
price we pay for it, and how we can be totally free from it. In advises on how to be peaceful, no
Volume 1 of Stoic Book of Anger, Seneca explores the causes matter what happens in life, This short
and consequences of anger. What causes anger? Why is anger book covers a wide range of topics: Why
destructive? Does anger serve any useful purpose? Can we are we restless? How to be alive
completely get rid of anger? How can we manageanger? In alive until we die, how to match our
Volume 2, Seneca provides specific strategies to control and tasks with our ability, why we should be
eliminate anger from our lives. If careful in choosing a friend, how to avoid
you are ever bothered by your anger excess, how to handle life with skill,
(or the anger of others) you cannot how to foresee adversity, how to be prepared
afford not to read this Stoic classic. for disappointments, how to avoid
It provides answersto questions like stubbornness and indecision, how to take
why we should avoid anger, how to stop anger a lighter view of things, how to handle
from arising, what examples we should avoid misfortunes and be vigilant. https://amzn.to/2Qn1fx3
following, what examples we should follow, and
what strategies we should adopt to be
completely anger-free. STOIC ATLAS
(A REFERENCE BOOK)
https://amzn.to/38ZYxE4 This short volume is an indispensable reference for modern
Stoics. It covers the following topics: The Geography ofAncient
Stoicism; The Geography of Modern
Stoicism; The Timeline of Ancient
Stoicism ; The Timeline of Modern
STOIC HAPPINESS Stoicism; Stoicism in Words,
Pictures, and Numbers; The History
“If you want to be happy, don’t follow the crowd”, warns Seneca, of Ancient Stoicism; The History
one of the best exponents of Stoicism. Seneca was concer ned of Modern Stoicism; An Outline
about applying Stoicism to everyday of Ancient Stoicism; An Outline
life. How can we make Stoicism of Modern Stoicism, with pictures
work for us, so we can live happily, of Stoic sites (both ancient and
fearlessly, and peacefully? In this modern) and photographs of the
short book addressed to his brother, Modern Stoic movement; Both the
Seneca tackles the problem of online and the print editions are in
happiness. What are the basics of full colour, beautifully produced.Get
happiness? What is the path to your copy now!
happiness? How to use pleasure and https://amzn.to/2Wd8s1O
not be used by it? Why should we
ignore criticism and pursue virtue? Ancient Stoic teachings
How to enjoy wealth that comesour
way and not be a slaveto it? in modern English
https://amzn.to/3tHOz2d

THE STOIC 23 OCTOBER 2022

 THE STOIC ADVISORY BOARD

Alkistis Agio, Greece Elizabeth Azide, USA Flora Bernard, France Elen Buzare, France

Chris Gill, UK Liz Gloyn, UK Meredith Kunz, USA Sharon Lebell, USA

Tim LeBon, UK Anthony Long, USA Gregory Lopez, USA Antonia Macaro, UK

Ron Pies, USA Massimo Pigliucci, USA Donald Robertson, Canada Greg Sadler, USA

Andi Sciacca, USA John Sellars, UK Assoicate Editor Editor-in-Chief

Kai Whiting Chuck Chakrapani

THE STOIC 21 APRIL 2021

THE STOIC 22 MAY 2022
2021