The Boise Stoa was founded in 2023 as a discussion group for Stoic philosophy

Our name.  Stoic philosophy was founded by Zeno of Citium in Greece around 300 BCE.  At that time, Zeno lectured and held discussion in Athens at the Stoa Poikile (hē poikílē stoá) or Painted Porch.   The tradition of open discussions at the Stoa Poikile, and the focus on philosophy not as a formal academic subject but rather, as guidance for how one could live an ideal life, is the basis for our name. 

Our group.  As with the many Stoics that have held open discussions over the past 2500 years, the intent of our group is to discuss Stoicism and how the guiding principles and practices of this timeless philosophy can be applied to our world and the modern lives we lead today.