1. Survey

The formula homologoumenōs zēn, “living in harmony,” makes clear the goal of the Stoics, a movement initiated by Zeno of Citium (ca. 335–ca. 263 b.c.). A stoa (colonnade) in Athens gave it its roof and its name. Cleanthes of Assos (331/30–232/31) added to the ambiguous goal of living in harmony the words tę̄ physei, “with nature.” His hymn to Zeus combines philosophical speculation with the religious tradition.

Chrysippus of Soli (ca. 280–ca. 206 b.c.) systematized Stoicism. It then took further …