[Born at Citium, in the Isle of Cyprus, about B.C. 362. Year of death
uncertain.]
The son of a merchant, and himself a trader. Whilst pursuing his
vocation, he obtained some works on the Socratic philosophy; read them
with eagerness, and resolved to abandon trade for philosophy. Became a
disciple of the Cynics; then a pupil of Stilpo of Megara; then lent an
ear to the expositors of Plato. After twenty years’ study and inquiry,
he turned aside from all existing schools, and created one for himself.
The place chosen by him for his instructions was a portico, adorned on
the wall with paintings by Polygnotus, hence called “The Variegated
Porch” (_Stoa Poicilē_). Thus he and his pupils were called Stoics.
They placed happiness in virtue. Virtue is--to live, by the rule of
right reason, a life consistent with itself and with universal nature:
and lifts above _all_ consideration of pleasures and pains. The absolute
moral rectitude of volition and action is the steering star. But that
secured--the humanities, courtesies, and customs of life are not, after
the fashion of the Cynics, to be slighted and trampled upon. Zeno
commands our respect by the purity of his life. He lived to a great age,
though of weakly constitution, by dint of regularity and moderation. He
had a serious and thoughtful countenance, corresponding to the severity
of the doctrines he taught. In his 98th year, quitting his school, he
fell to the ground and broke his finger. “Why am I thus importuned?” he
exclaimed. “Earth, I obey thy summons.” He went home, and strangled
himself.
[From the marble in the Sala delle Muse of the Vatican. It was
identified by the stooping attitude of the neck, a slight deformity
which is referred to by the contemporaries of Zeno. For an account of
the statue of this philosopher, see No. 327, Handbook to Roman Court
and Nave.]