School of Thought
Stoicism
Stoicism is a Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium that teaches the cultivation of virtue, reason and self-control as the path to a good life, accepting what lies beyond our control with equanimity.
Holding that virtue is the only true good and that we should focus only on what is within our power, Stoicism became one of the most influential philosophies of the Greco-Roman world and enjoys a major revival today.
Stoicism, founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BC, became one of the most influential philosophies of the Greco-Roman world. Its teaching is bracingly practical: virtue and reason are the only true goods, and serenity comes from focusing on what lies within our control while accepting the rest.
The philosophy reached its most famous expression in the Meditations of the emperor Marcus Aurelius. Today Stoicism enjoys a remarkable revival, its counsel of resilience and self-mastery embraced far beyond philosophy.
Core Ideas
- Virtue is the only true good
- Focus on what is within your control
- Live in accordance with reason and nature
- Equanimity in the face of fortune
Founders
Key Figures of Stoicism
Zeno of Citium
86Zeno of Citium was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded Stoicism, teaching that virtue and reason are the path to a good life, in lectures given at the Painted Porch (Stoa) in Athens.
Marcus Aurelius
90Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, the last of the "Five Good Emperors", whose private journal, the Meditations, is the most cherished work of Stoic thought.
Marcus Aurelius
90Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, the last of the "Five Good Emperors", whose private journal, the Meditations, is the most cherished work of Stoic thought.
Zeno of Citium
86Zeno of Citium was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded Stoicism, teaching that virtue and reason are the path to a good life, in lectures given at the Painted Porch (Stoa) in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is a philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium teaching that virtue and reason are the path to a good life, and that we should accept what we cannot control with calm.
Who were the most famous Stoics?
Famous Stoics include the founder Zeno of Citium, the slave-philosopher Epictetus, the statesman Seneca, and the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.