How to Be a Stoic
Ancient Wisdom for a Happier Life
About the Course
About the Course
It’s a recipe for happiness and self-mastery. And it’s not just a philosophy for elites; it’s full of practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, athletes, parents, and everyone in-between.
Stoicism’s rational and pragmatic philosophy is captured by The Serenity Prayer: it involves developing the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference. Or as Epictetus remarked…
“What, then, is to be done? To make the best of what is in our power, and take the rest as it naturally happens.“
We can come to embody the Stoic philosophy by cultivating virtue and refining our judgements through reflection and practice.
In this four-week course, you’ll learn how to be a Stoic. We’ll explore the main themes of Stoicism; the four cardinal virtues; Stoic techniques such as the dichotomy of control and negative visualisation; Stoic advice of death, love, and relationships; and most importantly, how to practice Stoic wisdom in your daily life.
With the help of weekly readings from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus and others, and guided group discussions with a leading Stoic scholar, you’ll discover this ancient guide to a more happy, fulfilling, and tranquil life.
About your instructor
Dr Matthew Sharpe
Dr Matthew Sharpe is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Deakin University. His research interests include classical philosophy, psychoanalysis, and critical theory.
For the past decade, his work has increasingly focused on Stoicism and modern receptions thereof, and he is currently working on a forthcoming book about philosophy as a way of life.
Course structure
The course consists of four 90-minute classes and takes place in our virtual classroom over Zoom.
It is a live and interactive course, which features:
- Assigned readings,
- Live lectures,
- Live Q&A sessions with the instructor,
- and Zoom breakout rooms with your intellectually curious classmates.
Can’t make the live classes? No dramas! All lessons are recorded and accessible forever.
To maintain an optimal learning environment, classes are kept small — so be quick in securing your spot!
Lecture Schedule
- Week 1 | Overview of Stoicism:
- Themes
- Masters
- The Four Cardinal Virtues
- Week 2 | Stoic Techniques:
- The Dichotomy of Control
- Negative Visualisation
- Stoic Meditation
- Week 3 | Stoic Advice:
- Emotions
- Relationships
- Death
- Week 4 | Stoic Practice
- Incorporating Stoicism into your Daily Life
What You'll Learn
Overview
Techniques
Advice
Practice
Course dates
September 2022
$299 | Class Dates
All classes run from 6.30 PM AEST to 8.00 PM AEST
• Week 1: Wed 7 September, 2022
• Week 2: Wed 14 September, 2022
• Week 3: Wed 21 September, 2022
• Week 4: Wed 28 September, 2022
Testimonials
[How to Be a Stoic] was the best short course I’ve ever taken.
I learnt directly from a leading Stoic scholar and met a great group of people. I'll definitely be back!
It was fantastic to learn directly from a leading intellectual.
The 'How to Be a Stoic' class helped me get a taste of how to blend academic philosophy with practical stoic spiritual exercises.
The class can expand your mind and help you live better.
[How to Be a Stoic] was the best short course I’ve ever taken.
I learnt directly from a leading Stoic scholar and met a great group of people. I'll definitely be back!
It was fantastic to learn directly from a leading intellectual.
The 'How to Be a Stoic' class helped me get a taste of how to blend academic philosophy with practical stoic spiritual exercises.
The class can expand your mind and help you live better.