October 21
Wednesday, October 21, 2026Breakout
The Stoics on Living According to Nature
This class will further investigate the Stoics' view of the good life as "living in agreement with nature." In today's breakout session we'll consider passages from the two sets of readings for this week from Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, focusing on the connection the Stoics draw between nature, wisdom, mind, virtue, and other people.
Goals
Goals
- Form a better sense for Epictetus’ distinction between what is and what isn’t under our control
- Examine the Stoics’ understanding of freedom, particularly in connection with our relations with others
- Critically engage with the strengths and weaknesses of the Stoics’ approach to the good life
Before Class
- Come prepared to class to discuss further questions you have about Stoicism following the video lectures this week and any of the assigned reading.
After Class
Further Resources
Further Resources
- If You’re Reading Stoicism for Life Hacks, You’re Missing the Point” – op-ed piece for the NYT on what Modern Stoics need to know about Ancient Stoicism (Nancy Sherman)
- “Marcus Aurelius Helped Me Survive Grief and Rebuild My Life” – moving essay for Aeon Magazine on the Stoics’ advice for dealing with grief (Jamie Lombardi)
- “The Joys of Being a Stoic” – short and accessible essay for the science magazine Nautilus that clears up some stereotypes of Stoicism and discusses the connection between Stoicism and cognitive behavioral therapy (Massimo Pigliucci)