Religion or belief system

Stoicism

An ancient Greek and Roman philosophical tradition centred on reason, virtue, self-command, acceptance of what cannot be controlled, and living consistently with nature.

Context and scope

Stoicism is treated here as a philosophical belief system rather than a revealed religion. Its surviving works are primary philosophical texts, not scripture in the strict religious sense.

Thinkers and influential figures

Chrysippus

Philosopher · c. 279–206 BCE · Stoic philosophy

The third head of the Stoic school and its principal early system-builder.

Cleanthes

Philosopher · c. 330–230 BCE · Stoic philosophy

Successor to Zeno and an important early defender of Stoicism, best known for the Hymn to Zeus.

Epictetus

Philosopher · c. 50–135 CE · Stoic philosophy

A former enslaved person who became a major Stoic teacher of freedom, responsibility and disciplined judgement.

Marcus Aurelius

Philosopher · 121–180 CE · Stoic philosophy

Roman emperor whose private reflections, now called the Meditations, explore duty, mortality and self-command.

Musonius Rufus

Philosopher · c. 30–100 CE · Stoic philosophy

A Roman Stoic teacher who treated philosophy as training for ethical conduct rather than abstract study alone.

Seneca

Philosopher · c. 4 BCE–65 CE · Stoic philosophy

Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman and writer whose works examine time, death, anger, wealth and virtue.

Zeno of Citium

Philosopher · c. 334–262 BCE · Stoic philosophy

Founder of the Stoic school, which began teaching in Athens around the beginning of the third century BCE.

Findings

No reasoned findings have been linked to this belief system yet.

Articles

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Questions and answers

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Quote verifications

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