Zeno of Citium Bust – 3D MODEL

Zeno of Citium (c. 335–263 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher hailing from Citium, Cyprus, who established the Stoic school of philosophy in Athens around 300 BCE. Stoicism advocated for living in harmony with reason, which it deemed the highest virtue in life. Over the years, the school attracted numerous philosophers, spanning Greek, Roman, and modern eras, and many of its core principles have remained consistent throughout their works.

One key doctrine is living in accordance with nature. Zeno is famously quoted as saying, “Steal your sensibilities, so that life shall hurt you as little as possible.” Additionally, he is credited with aphorisms such as “Follow where reason leads,” “Better to trip with the feet than with the tongue,” and “We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.”

While Zeno’s exact origins are debated, some believe he had Phoenician roots. In his youth, he followed in his father Innaseas’s footsteps and pursued a career in trade. Legend has it that he ended up in Athens after a mishap at sea involving the transportation of purple dye. Zeno met his demise in 265 BCE, reportedly by suicide, following an accident where he stumbled while exiting the school and broke his toe.