Zeno
of Citium

Zeno of Citium, born around 334 BCE in Citium, Cyprus, was the founder of Stoicism, one of the most influential philosophical schools of ancient Greece. Little is known about his early life, but Zeno eventually traveled to Athens, where he studied philosophy under various teachers, including the Cynic philosopher Crates. Inspired by the teachings of Socrates, Zeno developed his own philosophical system, which he called Stoicism, after the stoa poikile or "painted porch" where he lectured.

Stoicism, as articulated by Zeno, emphasized the pursuit of virtue, self-control, and inner tranquility as the keys to a good life. Zeno taught that happiness is achieved by living in accordance with nature and accepting whatever happens with equanimity. He posited that individuals should focus on what is within their control—their own thoughts, actions, and attitudes—while remaining indifferent to external circumstances beyond their control. Zeno's teachings attracted a devoted following and laid the groundwork for Stoicism's later development by philosophers such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. Despite his relatively short life, Zeno's legacy as the founder of Stoicism endures, shaping the ethical and philosophical landscape of Western thought for centuries to come.