Zeno of Citium
Founder of Stoicism, which emphasized virtue, reason, and living in harmony with nature.
Most quoted
"The avaricious man is like the barren sandy ground of the desert which sucks in all the rain and dew with greediness, but yields no fruitful herbs or plants for the benefit of others."
— from As reported by Diogenes Laërtius
"That which exercises reason is more excellent than that which does not exercise reason; there is nothing more excellent than the universe, therefore the universe exercises reason."
— from As reported by Diogenes Laërtius
"The end may be defined as life in accordance with nature or, in other words, in accordance with our own human nature as well as that of the universe."
— from As reported by Diogenes Laërtius
All quotes by Zeno of Citium (145)
Nature does nothing without purpose.
The wise man regards the reason for all his actions, but not the results.
Happiness lies in virtuous activity.
The body is the soul's prison.
True education is the training of the mind to think rightly.
The universe is a fire that regulates itself.
Virtue alone is sufficient for happiness.
We should live as if we were always about to die.
The greatest empire is self-control.
Reason is the ruler of the soul.
All men are made one by the law of nature.
The fool is his own worst enemy.
Peace of mind is the highest good.
The wise man never regrets the past.
Nature's plan is the best plan.
To the wise, all things are possible.
The end is to live consistently.
As I leave, remember: virtue is the path.
Well-being is attained by little and little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself.
The goal of life is living in agreement with Nature.
Contemporaries of Zeno of Citium
Other Philosophys born within 50 years of Zeno of Citium (-334–-262).