Date of Birth: 334 BCE
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: 262 BCE
Biography
Zeno of Citium was an ancient Greek philosopher born around 334 BCE in Citium, Cyprus. He is best known for founding the Stoic school of philosophy, which taught the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions. Stoicism became one of the major philosophical schools of the Hellenistic period and later influenced Roman thinkers. Zeno was the son of a merchant and initially followed in his father’s footsteps, traveling extensively. According to tradition, Zeno turned to philosophy after surviving a shipwreck that left him in Athens. He began studying under the Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes, but later developed his own ideas, which emphasized logic, physics, and ethics. Establishing his school around 300 BCE, Zeno taught at the Stoa Poikile (the Painted Porch), from which the term “Stoicism” is derived. His works, although largely lost, were influential in shaping the ethical thought of later philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
5 Interesting Facts about Citium Zeno
1. Zeno’s teachings on ethics emphasized living in harmony with nature and accepting events as they come.
2. The Stoic school of philosophy is named after the Stoa Poikile, the location in Athens where Zeno taught.
3. Although most of Zeno’s writings have been lost, his ideas were preserved by later Stoic philosophers.
4. Zeno is reputed to have lived a modest and austere life, in line with his philosophical principles.
5. Zeno’s death was reportedly a suicide, following the Stoic belief in choosing the manner of one’s own death.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Citium Zeno
1. “Man conquers the world by conquering himself.”
2. “Happiness is a good flow of life.”
3. “The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.”
4. “We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.”
5. “No evil is honorable; but death is honorable; therefore death is not evil.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
There is no historical record of Zeno achieving any significant net worth; he lived a life of philosophical austerity.
Children
There are no historical records indicating that Zeno of Citium had any children.
Relevant Links
2. [Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Zeno of Citium](https://www.iep.utm.edu/zeno-sto/
3. [Wikipedia – Zeno of Citium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno_of_Citium
4. [Ancient History Encyclopedia – Zeno of Citium](https://www.ancient.eu/Zeno_of_Citium/
5. [Livius.org – Zeno of Citium](https://www.livius.org/articles/person/zeno-of-citium/
