Zeno of Citium: Biography, Achievements & Lasting Legacy
Who Was Zeno of Citium?
Zeno of Citium (; Koine Greek: Ζήνων ὁ Κιτιεύς, Zēnōn ho Kitieus; c. 334 – c. 262 BC) was a Hellenistic philosopher from Citium (Κίτιον, Kition), Cyprus.
He was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy, which he taught in Athens from about 300 BC.
Life and Career
Based on the moral ideas of the Cynics, Stoicism laid great emphasis on goodness and peace of mind gained from living a life of virtue in accordance with nature. It proved very popular, and flourished as one of the major schools of philosophy from the Hellenistic period through to the Roman era, and enjoyed revivals in the Renaissance as Neostoicism and in the current era as Modern Stoicism.
Key Facts
- Born: January 1, 334 in Citium, Cyprus
- Died: 262
- Field: Philosophy
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Zeno of Citium extends far beyond their own lifetime. They fundamentally shaped human thought and intellectual discourse, and their ideas and philosophical frameworks remain foundational to this day.
Though they passed away in 262, their ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
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