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Longmont library program and new discussion group will examine ancient philosophies

CU Graduate Program seeks to involve community in discussions of classical philosophy
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NEWS RELEASE
LONGMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Can practicing philosophy free you from worry and anxiety? As far-fetched as that might sound in the 21st century, this was the promise the Hellenistic (4th Century BC Greece) schools of philosophy made to their students.

One of these philosophies — Stoicism — was so successful in this mission that it can claim to have helped its practitioners weather the nightmares of Nero’s Rome, the trials of governing an empire at war, as well as imprisonment and torture during the Vietnam War. How? Despite how we sometimes use the word “stoic,” Stoics are neither unfeeling nor complacent; Stoicism is not about maintaining a stiff upper lip.

Stoicism is about changing the way we understand the world and ourselves. In this program we will discuss the fascinating roots of this philosophy, how people are still practicing it today, and how we can all use ancient thought to help us live more happily.

Join Dawn Jacob, a graduate student in the philosophy department at the University of Colorado Boulder and the coordinator of the Philosophy Outreach Program of Colorado, or POPCO, for this fascinating library program, “The Happy Stoic: how the ancient philosophy of stoicism can help you live better today” on Feb. 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. via Webex. 

For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/LibPrograms. Information on how to join the program will be included in the registration confirmation email.  Unable to attend?  This program may be recorded and posted to our YouTube playlist and on our Watch Recent Programs page.

POPCO is a 20+ year old program within the philosophy department that aims to involve those outside the CU community in philosophy. This program is a preview and launching pad for a new reading discussion group the Library is launching partnership with Ms. Jacob and POPCO.

The “Deep Thoughts Philosophy Reading Group” will premiere on March 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and meet each subsequent fourth Monday of the month.  At each meeting, the group will discuss a classic short work of philosophy or an excerpt from a longer work. Participants are invited to read the work prior to the meeting, and together the group will explore the meaning of the text and the value it offers us. 

All participants are welcome, including those who are unable to read the entire selection before the meeting. While “The Happy Stoic” program will be in a lecture/seminar format, the “Deep Thoughts” group will be designed for dynamic discourse and discussion. Registration for the Deep Thoughts Philosophy Discussion Group will open on Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. 

For more details about the readings and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/BookGrps. Information on how to join the group will be included in the registration confirmation email.

Both the program and the discussion group are best for adults and teens 16 and older.

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