The Best Quotes From Zeno Of Citius, The Philosopher Of The Portico

Zeno of Citius’ phrases relate to the basic premises of his school of philosophical thought. The first is that there is a natural and rational order of things. The second is that the good consists in adapting to that order.

Zeno of Citius was the creator of Stoicism, although some of his successors, such as Seneca or Marcus Aurelius, were more famous than he.

He is known as the philosopher of the portico because he expounded his teachings under a famous portico decorated with beautiful paintings. Much of his work has been lost, but we still retain many of Zeno de Citio’s phrases.

The Stoics advocated a life based on reason, prudence, and the moderation of pleasure. Furthermore, many of his reflections focused on ethics. This is exactly what is seen in the phrases of Zeno de Citio: the interest in inspiring a way of life based on values.

Zeno of Citium’s Phrases about strength

Several of Zeno of Citius’ phrases exalt thought. This is considered the center and source of everything. One of his statements clearly shows this principle. It says: “Thought must be stronger than matter, and will more powerful than physical and moral suffering.”

As we can see, for the Stoics thought and will are above all else. In them, one can see a strong influence of metaphysics, which later ended up influencing Christian thought.

the most painful loss

This is one of the phrases of Zeno of Citius that has survived over time and that, even today, is quoted in different contexts. It says: “No loss should be for us more sensitive than that of time, because it is irreparable.”

Far beyond the meaning that exists regarding the waste of time, the essence of the phrase is in the irreparable aspect of this loss. Time passes and we cannot go back. Moments cannot be repeated. The moments we let pass will never come back.

Raising a child in a negative world

Although the Stoics began to philosophize some two centuries before our era, many of their reflections are still in force in today’s world. This statement, for example, seems tailor-made for our present: “By putting faith, hope and love together, you can raise positive children in a negative world.”

At that time, the tools of psychology and pedagogy that we rely on today did not exist. However, Zeno of Scythius made this statement just as valid. It is very interesting that he indicates the family as a basic nucleus, even above society.

Listen or speak?

This is another of Zeno of Citius’ phrases that, even today, is repeated everywhere. It goes like this: “Remember that nature has given us two ears and one mouth to teach us that listening is better than talking.” There are many variants of this statement, but it certainly turned out to be universal.

This is a warning to be careful with words. It makes a comparison with having two ears and one mouth, because listening is more important than talking.

It is another of the statements that continue to be said a lot, even for the youngest. An exaltation of listening and analytical discourse.

true luck

Thanks to Seneca’s work, we know one of the upheavals that Zeno of Citius went through. He says that the Greek philosopher sent all his belongings in a boat that ended up sinking shortly after setting sail. When he was told, he simply said, “Luck wants me to have more freedom to philosophize.”

This phrase is a masterful example of Stoic philosophy. This school invoked us to accept and understand reality always as something that responds to a rational order. In this sense, everything that happens is the result of this order, and we only have to understand it and learn a lesson from it.

It is said that Zeno de Citio taught his teachings for over 30 years. Finally, when he felt the time had come, he chose to take his own life. This was very common among philosophers of his day.

He was 72 years old when he died, but his thinking continued to influence philosophers for several centuries later.