I was delighted to be invited to speak at the 2025 Stoicon alongside an incredible lineup of speakers with powerful messages and inspiring stories to share.
Summary of My Stoicon Talk
In the video below (feel free to jump right to it), I share how Stoic philosophy became a guiding force through one of the most challenging chapters of my life. When my wife, Louise, passed away from cancer, I was left to navigate unimaginable grief while raising our two young children. For a while, I thought I was coping well — until I wasn’t.
During that period of despair, I was given two books, one of which — Reasons Not to Worry by Brigid Delaney — introduced me to Stoicism. What began as a search for emotional stability and balance gradually evolved into something much more profound. I came to understand that Stoicism isn’t just about self-mastery; it’s also about our responsibility to others and the shared humanity that connects us all.
This realisation eventually led me to become a crisis supporter with Lifeline, where I’ve found immense purpose in helping people through their most vulnerable moments. My journey has taught me that by giving to others, we often receive even more in return. Stoicism reminds me daily that true fulfilment comes not just from resilience, but from service, kindness, and the courage to live with virtue.
For those interested; Stoicon is an annual conference dedicated to Stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy that emphasises resilience, virtue, and rationality as paths to a good life.
It’s organised by the Modern Stoicism movement — a group of philosophers, psychologists, writers, and practitioners who bring Stoic ideas into today’s world. The event typically features talks, panels, and workshops from academics, authors, and everyday Stoics who discuss how Stoic principles can be applied in modern life — covering topics like emotional regulation, leadership, ethics, and mental well-being.
Here are a few key points about Stoicon:
️Origins: The first Stoicon was held in 2013 in London.
Global Reach: It’s now an international event, often hosted in different cities or virtually, with local Stoicon-X events happening around the world (smaller, community-run versions).
️Speakers: Past speakers have included well-known Stoic authors like Donald Robertson, Massimo Pigliucci, and Sharon Lebell.
Purpose: To make Stoicism accessible, practical, and relevant — helping people live with greater purpose, composure, and ethical integrity.
“We should draw the circles of concern toward the centre, making all human beings our own.”
For those that would prefer to read my talk verse watch the video, here is the transcript.
Hello to all my fellow students of Philosophy, particularly those interested in Stoic Philosophy.
My Name is Dominic Byrne – I feel really honoured to be talking about something so dear to me. Something I hadn’t even heard of four years ago.
The following are excerpts from my book, which will be released on December 16.
When I was 39 and my children were five and three, my wife Louise was diagnosed with breast cancer. 18 months after her diagnosis, Louise would be dead.
Louise died in my arms in a hospital bed in Germany, her tiny body riddled with tumours. I would return home from Frankfurt to Sydney with our beautiful babies and an empty seat beside us on the plane. My life would take a different direction from this day, and my priorities would shift.
The condensed part of this story is that I was handling everything really well until I wasn’t. About three years in, I got into the deepest of emotional ruts.
During this period of absolute despair, I was gifted two books by my sister and dad, respectively.
The book my dad gave me was: Reasons not to worry by Bridget Delaney.
It is fitting that she is in the “Line Up” for this event.
This book was a significant factor in my emotional recovery, inspiring me to read dozens more books and embark on a healing journey.
It was also the inception of my Stoic journey which I credit to elevating my base level of happiness.
I’ve observed that people are initially drawn to Stoicism because of its psychological benefits. At the beginning of their Stoic journey, most are eager to know what it could do for them.
This was me to a tee, as I was attracted to managing my emotions, being disciplined, more balanced, and courageous. This is likely what you want, too.
This self-centred version of Stoicism is terrific; it will help you, and it helped me.
One of the most potent aspects of Stoicism, an aspect that took me years to discover, is its emphasis on our social responsibilities.
This is where I learned Stoicism wasn’t so self-centred. It was more about the emphasises our commitment to others, the necessity of working for the common welfare of mankind, and the moral imperative to improve the world.
By understanding and embracing this aspect of Stoic thought, you can find greater meaning and fulfilment in life for yourself and society at large.
Stoicism teaches us that human beings are naturally social creatures, interconnected with one another and bound by a shared rationality. The Stoics believed in Oikeiôsis, which refers to the natural inclination to care for others, starting with one’s family and expanding outward to include all of humanity.
This cosmopolitan view of including everyone is articulated by the Stoic thinker Hierocles.
Marcus Aurelius reminds us, “That which is not good for the swarm, neither is it good for the bee.”
Stoic philosophers argue that we must view ourselves as citizens of the world rather than just members of a specific nation, class, or group.
By actively participating in and improving our communities, we fulfil a greater purpose, aligning ourselves with nature’s rational order.
The Stoics remind us that the world is neither inherently good nor bad; rather, it is shaped by individuals’ actions.
I’ve wanted to do something substantial for my community for years. Timing for these commitments does play a role, as taking care of yourself is essential before you can effectively care for others.
Aurelius said, “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.”
After much reflection, I realised that becoming a crisis supporter was the path that aligned with my values and desire to help others in their most vulnerable moments.
Contributing to society in this way has given me a sense of purpose unlike anything else. Each crisis call I handle reminds me of the strength and vulnerability within us all.
When I first signed up for Lifeline, I set out to support others, but in doing so, I found that I was supported too. That is the true gift of this journey.
There are small and large experiences like this out there for everyone. Experiences whereby, giving, you get more back.
By recognising our duty to others and striving to improve the world, we contribute to society’s well-being and achieve personal fulfilment.
In a world that often encourages self-interest, Stoicism reminds us that true significance comes from service, justice, and the relentless pursuit of virtue.
In embracing these ideals, we live better lives and leave a lasting, positive legacy for those who come after us.
Imagine a world where we lived for each other and not ourselves. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment; it doesn’t have to be right now, but include others in your plans.
As Seneca said, “wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”