The New Student's Reference Work/Zeno

Ze'no, founder of the Stoic philosophy, was born at Citium in Cyprus, the dates of his birth and death being both uncertain. He flourished in the early part of the 3d century B. C., and was a contemporary of Epicurus. At 30 he was shipwrecked, and, having lost his property, adopted the doctrines of the Cynics, in which contempt for riches is conspicuously taught. Having made himself master of the various schools, he proceeded to open a school of his own, in which he might bring forth the results of his inquiries and develop his own peculiar system. He selected for his purpose the Painted Porch; and there until his death continued to teach those doctrines which, in spite of many objectionable features, inculcate the manly energy and simplicity, the patience and fortitude and the reverence for moral worth which made disciples of so many noble Roman characters. The Athenians honored Zeno's memory with a golden crown and a public burial, and his countrymen erected a monumental pillar in his honor. Scarcely any portion of his numerous writings have been preserved. He is supposed to have died about 264 B. C.