Are you interested in learning about Stoic philosophy and how it is applied to everyday life?

Join us at the next meeting of the Sheffield Stoic Philosophy Group on Monday 5 October, 18:15-20:15, Thackeray Room, St Mary's Community Hall, Howard Road, Walkley, Sheffield S6 3RX.

Arrive from 18:00 for 18:15 start.

You'll meet others interested in Stoic philosophy, read about Stoic ideas and discuss them in an informal and friendly environment.

In this month's meeting we will:

Continue reading the Handbook (Enchiridion) of Epictetus, as contained in his Discourses and Selected Writings (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discourses-Selected-Writings-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140449469) (the Handbook begins on page 219). This edition of Epictetus is fairly cheap on Amazon (£9.99 paperback / £2.99 Kindle). We are making our way slowly through the text, discussing each paragraph as we go.

Talk about a blog post on Stoicism for Something Bad (https://modernstoicism.com/stoicism-for-something-bad-by-mary-braun/) by US doctor Mary Braun, in which she recounts her experiences of dealing with patients who have difficult diagnoses and how Stoicism can help. It's a good example of applying Stoic principles to very challenging situations. Give the post a read beforehand and we'll discuss it together.

Each of these activities will last roughly an hour (with a break in the middle) and you are welcome to attend one or both, as you like.

In addition, we will have a quick preview of the international Live Like a Stoic Week 2026 (https://modernstoicism.com/stoic-week/), which takes place at the end of October.

After the meeting, for those interested, we will also be going for drinks at the Springvale Tavern (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Springvale+Tavern/@53.3875053,-1.4974853,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x487979f27f3447e7:0xadf7beb00c44713c!8m2!3d53.3875053!4d-1.4974853!16s%2Fg%2F12cp2h48w?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). It is a 7 minute walk towards town from the meeting room (there is a bus stop outside for those going into town afterwards).

What is Stoicism?

Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece but is still practised in modern form today. It emphasises rationality and excellence of character, while seeing all people as part of an interconnected community. By distinguishing what is in our power (our thoughts, judgments and actions) and what is not (external events, luck and circumstances), and cultivating virtues like wisdom, justice, courage and moderation, we can achieve emotional resilience and inner peace. It's a practical guide for navigating life's challenges with tranquility.

Description supplied by the event organiser.