Zeno of Citium

Zeno of Citium (flourished late 4th and early 3rd century bc), Greek philosopher, founder of Stoicism. He was born in Citium, Cyprus. Little is known of his early life except that his contemporaries referred to him as a Phoenician. He was a student of the 4th century bc Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes and of the Platonist Xenocrates. About 300 bc, Zeno founded his own school of philosophy, known as Stoicism. The name of the school was derived from Stoa Poikilē (“painted porch”), the name given to the public portico where the master taught his disciples. Moral obligation, self-control, and living in harmony with nature were some of the principles of practical ethics with which Zeno was chiefly concerned. He taught in Athens for more than 50 years and was publicly honored for his upright manner of living. It is said, however, that he refused the offer of Athenian citizenship out of loyalty to his native Cyprus. Zeno left no written accounts of his teachings, but they were transmitted by his many disciples.