On 10th February 2024, the New Acropolis Pune Branch hosted a talk titled “Practical Philosophy – Lessons from Marcus Aurelius”. The talk explored a renewed interest in Stoic philosophy which started with a brief introduction to Stoicism, its genesis, and a few examples of the Stoic philosophers such as Zeno, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
That which is not good for the swarm, neither is it good for the bee.” – Marcus Aurelius (Meditations)
The speaker mentioned that the central theme of Stoicism circles around living a virtuous life in accordance with Nature.
Delving into the life of the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, the speaker read a few excerpts from his writings ‘Meditations’, which are as relevant in our times today as they were two thousand years ago. The speaker connected his stoic teachings with day-to-day examples and encouraged the audience to experience Philosophy through its practical application and to come closer to the virtue of goodness.
