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Zeno of Citium
c. 334–262 BCE · Founder of Stoicism
After a shipwreck left him in Athens, Zeno encountered philosophy and founded the school that met at the painted Stoa Poikile — giving "Stoicism" its name. He taught that a good life follows living in accord with reason and nature.
Ideas from Zeno of Citium
“Well-being is attained by little and little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself.”
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
“The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.”
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.
Zeno of Citium
Wealth is the ability to fully use the goods of fortune.
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
Better to trip with the feet than with the tongue.
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
Live according to nature, which is to live according to reason.
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
Better to trip with the feet than with the tongue; words once spoken cannot be taken back.
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
Happiness is a good flow of life; and this is living according to nature.
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
Habit is a second nature.
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers
We should listen to our friends, for they see our faults more clearly than we do.
Zeno of Citium · Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers