21 Cleanthes of Assos 330-230 BCE

Cleanthes of Assos who lived from 330 to 230 BCE, was a pivotal figure in the development of Stoic philosophy, succeeding Zeno of Citium as its leader and contributing significantly to its ethical framework. His work emerged during a time when philosophical schools were thriving amidst the cultural and political changes of Hellenistic Greece. Cleanthes is primarily known for his philosophical writings, particularly his hymn to Zeus and his enduring efforts to articulate the Stoic understanding of nature and ethics. These contributions make him a key figure in moral philosophy, particularly in relation to virtue, natural law, and the interconnectedness of humanity within the cosmos.At the core of Cleanthes' contribution to moral philosophy is his profound belief in living in accordance with nature, a tenet foundational to Stoic thought. This idea posits that to live well is to align one's life with the rational order of the universe, which Cleanthes famously encapsulated in his hymn. In this work, he expresses a deep reverence for the divine reason, or Logos, that permeates the cosmos. For Cleanthes, nature is not merely a backdrop for human existence; it is a living entity imbued with rationality and purpose. His advocacy for understanding and embodying this natural order suggests that moral goodness is not arbitrary or socially constructed, but rather arises from aligning oneself with the universal reason that governs all beings.Selenius Media