How to Live Like a Stoic with Tom Hodgkinson

Ancient philosophy for the doom-scrolling age

Tom Hodgkinson, editor of The Idler, brings Stoicism's arguments about wisdom and everyday life to the Barn Theatre. He looks at figures including Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, and at the way Stoic ideas travelled through Christianity, Shakespeare, mindfulness and The Beatles.

The talk draws on Hodgkinson's book, which treats Stoicism as stranger and more radical than a stiff-upper-lip routine, with reflections on politics, friendship, money, education and pleasure. Cirencester History Festival director Jess Yarrow chairs the hour-long conversation.

Ticketed. Book ahead through Cirencester History Festival.

Monday 26 October 2026 · The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1BN · Doors 7.10pm, 7.30pm to 8.30pm