Where the name comes from
Zeno of Citium taught around 300 BC in Athens in a painted colonnade, the “Stoa poikile”. The school was named after it. Later, stoicism became popular in Rome through the statesman Seneca, the former slave Epictetus and the emperor Marcus Aurelius.
The most important idea
Epictetus opens his “Enchiridion” with a distinction: some things are in our power, namely our judgments, intentions and actions, while others are not, such as property, reputation or the opinions of others. Whoever directs their energy at the first becomes calmer about the second.
The four virtues
The Stoics saw the good life in virtue. Traditionally, four cardinal virtues are named:
- Wisdom: recognizing what is good
- Justice: treating others fairly
- Courage: facing what is hard
- Moderation: keeping a sense of measure
Stoicism today
Stoicism does not mean having no feelings. It is about examining your judgments and focusing on what you can influence. Many people today read the Stoics as a practical guide for everyday life.