Resilience For Transformative Action: Exploring Stoic Virtues and Social Justice

Stoicism is a rich philosophical tradition that emphasizes the importance of cultivating four virtues – wisdom, temperance, courage, and justice – to build our resilience, to live well and to live authentically in the face of life’s challenges. The virtue of Justice specifically acknowledges humanity’s interconnectedness and the importance of action to advance the common good. This retreat will examine Stoic philosophy and practice to explore the relationship between the four Stoic virtues, personal resilience, and transformative action for social justice. We will reflect on Stoic thought to craft our own strategies to promote resilience while engaging social contexts where discrimination, anger, inequity, and exclusion manifest themselves.

Given the primacy of mind and reason in Stoic thought, we will place Stoics in dialogue with thinkers from Eastern traditions who acknowledge the importance of giving our minds a rest. In particular, we will explore the potential of mindfulness practice to influence…