Stoicism, Silicon Valley, and Philosophy - Part II

**PLEASE JOIN ORLANDO STOICS AND RSVP THERE** **https://www.meetup.com/orlando-stoics/** This week, we’ll continue our exploration of *Silicon Valley Stoicism*—the modern trend of reducing Stoic philosophy to productivity hacks or stress-management tools—and contrast it with the ancient Stoic focus on virtue, natural law, and the common good. We’ll also review Nellie Bowles’ *New York Times* article, *“Why Is Silicon Valley So Obsessed With the Virtue of Suffering?”* In addition, we’ll examine Massimo Pigliucci and Donald Robertson’s thoughtful responses to Bowles’ critique. Both authors clarify that Stoicism is not about self-inflicted suffering, endurance for fame, or emotional suppression. Rather, Stoicism teaches that wealth and comfort are *“preferred indifferents,”* and that true freedom lies in aligning one’s will with reason and nature. The ancient Stoics—from Zeno, a shipwrecked merchant, to Epictetus, a former slave—embodied this principle, showing that virtue and service to humanity, not power or notoriety, define the good life. **Questions to Think About** Together, we’ll discuss Stoicism as a philosophy of life and contrast it with Silicon Valley’s instrumental approach to Stoic ideas. Can Stoicism be meaningfully practiced in entrepreneurial or high-stress environments without losing its moral center? How do the Stoic virtues of courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom guide us in the modern pursuit of innovation and success? **Reading Material** **Silicon Valley style Stoicism** [https://docs.google.com/document/d/147odfblWAMckqFt9i5PiYj2e1VefjVzX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110947935562396183706&rtpof=true&sd=true](https://docs.google.com/document/d/147odfblWAMckqFt9i5PiYj2e1VefjVzX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110947935562396183706&rtpof=true&sd=true) **Response: 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/](https://donaldrobertson.name/2019/03/26/response-why-is-silicon-valley-so-obsessed-with-the-virtue-of-suffering/) **Why Is Silicon Valley So Obsessed With the Virtue of Suffering?** [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GLwEUYOBOmWHC1zqlgC73wJgVcXAWHw4/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110947935562396183706&rtpof=true&sd=true](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GLwEUYOBOmWHC1zqlgC73wJgVcXAWHw4/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110947935562396183706&rtpof=true&sd=true) **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 Join by Phone If you do not have a computer with a camera, you can also dial using a phone. **One Tap Mobile** +13092053325,,81756205936#,,,,\*069672# US +13126266799,,81756205936#,,,,\*069672# US (Chicago) 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.**