Zenon of Citium

Zenon of Citium (334 BC – 262 BC) was a Hellenistic philosopher from the Phoenician settlement of Kition in Cyprus.

Early Life and Education

He emigrated to Athens at a young age, although he refused to become a citizen there, but remained resident until his death. After studying under Critolaus and Stilpon of Megara and in the Old Academy, he began teaching in the Stoic school "from which his philosophical doctrine was called Stoicism".

Founding of Stoicism

He founded the Stoic school around 300 BC. His teachings were dogmatic, meaning they were certain without explanation or proof, and prophetic and contradictory in appearance, rather than philosophical like the preceding Greek philosophers.

Philosophy

Zenon's philosophy divided into three main branches:

* **Logic**: The study of reasoning and argumentation.
* **Physics**: The study of the natural world and the laws that govern it.
* **Ethics**: The study of human behavior and morality.

He believed that the wise man should be free from emotional disturbances and not be affected by joy or sorrow, and that he should submit to the inevitable necessity. He also took a measure of truth as the fixed impression that cannot be doubted.

Biography

The most important source of Zenon's life is the biography written by Diogenes Laertius, which includes a summary of his teachings.

Legacy

Zenon of Citium is considered the founder of Stoicism and the leader of the Stoic School. His philosophical doctrine had a significant impact on Western philosophy and continues to influence modern thought.

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