What does it mean to live joyfully?
At our June Brisbane Stoics meeting, more than twenty members gathered to explore this deceptively simple question through the lens of Socrates, the Stoics, and Seneca’s famous Letter 23, On the True Joy Which Comes from Philosophy.
The discussion began with a series of thought experiments. We imagined a person who always gets what they want and asked what kinds of beliefs and emotions might follow from such good fortune. We then imagined that same fortune suddenly changing. Would their happiness remain intact, or would it disappear along with the circumstances that supported it?
These questions led us to Socrates’ argument in Plato’s Euthydemus: that human beings always act according to what they believe is in their best interest. The challenge, however, is that we are often mistaken about what is genuinely good for us.
The Stoics inherited this insight and developed it into a powerful psychological theory. If we mistakenly believe that external things—wealth, status, comfort, possessions, or even other people—are the source of our wellbeing, then our emotional lives become vulnerable to fear, longing, distress, and disappointment. Our happiness becomes tied to things that are ultimately uncertain and beyond our control.
One of the most engaging discussions of the morning centred on romantic love. Together, we explored what can happen when we elevate another person into a “good” object. While love itself is natural and valuable, treating another person as the foundation of our happiness can unintentionally create anxiety, dependency, and unrealistic expectations. We considered how this may ultimately diminish both our own wellbeing and our capacity to love the other person appropriately, as a free and rational human being rather than as a source of emotional security.
These themes provided a rich context for reading Seneca’s Letter 23. Seneca challenges us to distinguish between pleasure and genuine joy. Pleasure comes and goes with fortune. Joy, by contrast, arises from within—from a good conscience, honourable intentions, right action, and a life guided by wisdom.
One sentence resonated strongly with the group:
“Learn how to feel joy.”
For Seneca, joy is not simply an emotion that arrives when circumstances are favourable. It is something cultivated through practice. It is the emotional expression of living wisely.
The discussion continued well beyond the formal meeting, with many members gathering afterwards for coffee and conversation. These informal moments are often where philosophy comes alive—not as an academic subject, but as a shared way of exploring how to live well.
A Few Practical Reflections
1. Notice what you are relying upon for your wellbeing
Throughout the coming month, pay attention to moments of anxiety, frustration, or disappointment. Ask yourself:
“What am I treating as a good right now?”
The answer may reveal an expectation, attachment, or dependency that has quietly taken hold.
2. Practise appreciating without possessing
Enjoy the good things in your life—relationships, achievements, comforts, opportunities—but experiment with holding them lightly. Appreciation often deepens when we stop demanding that things remain exactly as they are.
The Stoics did not reject life’s gifts; they simply encouraged us not to make our happiness depend upon them.
Join Us Next Month
Our next Brisbane Stoics meetup will be held on:
Sunday, 12 July
9:00am
New Farm Library Meeting Room
Whether you’re new to Stoicism or have been studying philosophy for years, you’re warmly welcome to join us. Our meetings combine short presentations, open discussion, and the opportunity to connect with others interested in philosophy as a way of life.
If you would like to learn more, explore previous meeting articles, or keep up with future events, visit our website and follow along as we continue our exploration of Stoicism and the practical pursuit of wisdom.
We look forward to seeing you next month.
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