I’ll be leading a Stoic Philosophy discussion group concerning the topic of handling adversity at 2 P.M. on February 12, 2017 at the Upper Moreland Library in Willow Grove, PA. This will be a free-of-charge event open to the public hosted by the Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia.
Following the event, attendees are welcome to join me and others for dinner at Panera Bread in Willow Grove.
From the event page,
Stoic philosophy — popularized by thinkers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca — addresses topics such as death, meaning, happiness, handling adversity, forming proper judgments about the world, and personal choice/freedom thorough a lens of prioritizing reason and personal aspiration.
Epictetus — in his Discourses – provides helpful insight on how to handle adversity including limiting desire, focusing on what’s in our control rather than what’s outside our power, ridding ourselves of anxiety, anticipating setbacks, embracing a radical acceptance, and focusing on the present.
Join a discussion lead by Justin Vacula, the third in this series, to explore Stoicism and Stoic perspectives on handling adversity. Perhaps you too can apply wisdom from the Stoic tradition to enrich your everyday life.
See Epictetus’ ‘Discourses’ which will be referred to in this discussion for supplementary information:
Watch videos about Stoicism on Justin’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/justinvaculaJustin Vacula — writer for justinvacula.com — is a poker player; activist for separation of religion and government who serves as co-organizer and spokesperson for the NEPA Freethought Society; skeptic; outspoken atheist; debater; and public speaker.
He has appeared on and hosted various radio shows and podcasts; participated in formal debates and discussions; was a guest speaker for college-level courses; featured in local, national, and international news; and has been invited to speak at various national, local, and statewide events.
Vacula received bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, a minor in Professional Writing, and the distinguished W.A. Kilburn Memorial Award for Philosophy from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He is currently enrolled in Marywood University’s graduate-level Mental Health Counseling program and formerly worked for the Arc of Luzerne County’s Transition to Community Employment program as a teacher’s assistant and job coach alongside adult learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities.