Host: Smithsonian Associates
Date: Saturday 28th February
Written nearly 2,000 years ago, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations remains one of the most profound, practical guides to living with integrity, resilience, and perspective and cultivating one’s self. Philosopher Samir Chopraleads an exploration of this foundational text of Stoicism through a historically embedded reading of passages, with a view to developing a practice of Stoic principles in daily life.
0–11 a.m. Introduction
An introduction and history of Stoicism as a school of philosophy: its origins in ancient Greece, its development in Rome, and its evolution from exponents Zeno and Epictetus to the imperial Roman throne. A biographical portrait of Marcus Aurelius—the philosopher-emperor who ruled during a time of war, plague, and political intrigue—reveals how the pressures of leadership shaped his reflections.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Meditations, Part I
Reading of key passages, examining Stoic ideas about fate, virtue, and anger
12:15–12:45 p.m. Break
12:45–1:45 p.m. Meditations, Part II
Reading of key passages, examining the nature of the self and the cultivation of inner freedom
2–3 p.m. Meditations, Part III
Reading of key passages, focused on stress, uncertainty, and the demands of moral choice
Participants are invited to reflect on how these ancient insights resonate with challenges of the present day and to discover tools for living wisely and well. Chopra offers clear, practical exercises for weaving Stoic principles into daily life, from morning reflections to evening reviews.
Book here.
