New Acropolis Mumbai hosted a talk on 11 January 2025, titled “ Freedom to be , the way of the Stoics “ at the Eclipse Wellbeing Hub & School, Santacruz.
The talk explored the concept of inner freedom through Stoic philosophy, encouraging individuals to reflect on what it truly means to be free. Drawing inspiration from ancient Stoic thinkers, the discussion emphasized that true freedom comes from understanding who we really are and embracing personal choice.
At the heart of Stoic thought is the idea of choice—the power to decide how we respond to life’s challenges. Do we see ourselves as victims of circumstance, or do we confront obstacles as opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve? The talk proposed that living a life of virtue—kindness, generosity, compassion—is our natural state, and that we must choose to embody these qualities, regardless of external circumstances or others’ reactions.
The philosophy also highlighted a crucial distinction: what we can control versus what we cannot. While we often try to control our surroundings and other people’s actions, the Stoics remind us that the only true control we have is over ourselves. By mastering this control, we can experience deeper freedom.
Reflecting on modern life, the discussion also touched on the influence of technology and social media, prompting individuals to question how much of their lives are truly shaped by their own choices versus external forces.
Ultimately, the path of inner freedom offers a powerful path by understanding and embracing our inner power to choose, allowing us to live more authentically.
