Curated quotes, literary essays, and Connecticut book club news bridging Stoic philosophy with Turkish literary traditions.
The Seneca Letters from a Stoic remain among the most widely read philosophical texts in the Western world, and for good reason. Written nearly two thousand years ago, these letters address universal themes — how to handle adversity, the value of time, the pursuit of wisdom — that resonate deeply with the immigrant experience and the Turkish-American journey.
At SNETACA's Connecticut book clubs, Seneca's letters have become a favorite discussion topic. Members in Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford gather monthly to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy connects to their lived experiences of building community between two cultures.
These famous Latin phrases and Stoic maxims have traveled through centuries, finding new audiences in every generation. The Latin original "Non est ad astra mollis e terris via" (There is no easy way from the earth to the stars) captures the spirit of ambition and perseverance that defines our community.
Latin phrases permeate our everyday language, law, science, and philosophy. Here are some of the most enduring famous Latin phrases that our book club members discuss regularly:
These phrases connect to Turkish wisdom traditions as well. The Turkish saying "Kısmet" (fate, destiny) echoes the Stoic concept of amor fati. Both cultures share a deep philosophical tradition of accepting what cannot be changed while striving to improve what can be.
Turkish literature boasts a rich tradition spanning centuries, from the mystical poetry of Rumi and Yunus Emre to the Nobel Prize-winning novels of Orhan Pamuk. At SNETACA, we celebrate this heritage by connecting it to the broader Western literary canon.
The great Turkish poet Nazım Hikmet wrote: "Living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness like a squirrel, for example — I mean without looking for something beyond and above living." This sentiment mirrors Seneca's teachings on presence and intentional living.
Our Connecticut book clubs explore these connections every month. Whether you're reading Seneca in Latin or Hikmet in Turkish, the themes of love, loss, resilience, and home transcend language and time.
Hartford Chapter: First Saturday of each month, 2:00 PM — Hartford Public Library. Currently reading: Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" (Penguin Classics edition).
New Haven Chapter: Third Wednesday, 7:00 PM — Atticus Bookstore Cafe. Currently reading: Orhan Pamuk's "My Name Is Red."
Stamford Chapter: Second Friday, 6:30 PM — Ferguson Library. Currently reading: A curated anthology of famous Latin phrases and their modern interpretations.
All are welcome — no membership required. Bring your curiosity and a love of literature.
Join a Book ClubFor Turkish Americans navigating life between two cultures, literature provides a bridge. Reading connects us to our roots while helping us understand our adopted home. The Seneca Letters from a Stoic teach us resilience; Turkish poetry teaches us longing and beauty; American literature teaches us reinvention and hope.
SNETACA's literary programs are open to everyone in Connecticut. Whether you're a lifelong reader or just discovering the power of books, we invite you to explore our upcoming events and join a conversation that spans millennia and continents. Learn more about our mission on our about page.