ZENO, founder of the Stoic philosophy, was born at Chinni, in Cyprus. The dates of his birth and death are uncertain. He flourished in the early part of the 3d c. and was a contemporary of Epicurus. His father was a merchant, and on his trading voyages brought home with him from Athens some writings of the Socratic school. By these, Zeno is said to have been attracted to the study of philosophy. At the age of 30 he was shipwrecked off the coast of Athens, and, having lost his property, he willingly adopted the Cynic doctrines, in which contempt for riches is conspicuously taught. 1e attached himself first to Crates,but soon became dissatisfied with the coarse, ostentatious disregard for established usages, and the indifference to speculative inquiry, which characterize the Cynic sect. He next joined the school of the Megaric Stilpo, and there became a proficient in the art of disputation. Still unsatisfied, he betook himself to Polemo the academician. Having thus made himself master of the tenets of the various
schools, he proceeded to open a school for himself, wherein he might show forth the result of all his inquiry, and develop his own peculiar system. See STOICS. He selected for the purpose the " Painted Porch" (Stoa Paildle), from which his sect has got its name, and there, till his 98th year, as is said, continued to teach those doctrines, which, in spite of serious drawbacks, inculcate that manly energy and simplicity, fortitude under suffering, and reverence for moral made ,disciples of so many of the noblest characters among the Romans. As a man, Zeno deserved and gained the highest respect. The Athenians honored him with a gold crown and a public burial, and his countrymen erected a monumental pillar to his honor. Of his numerous writings scarcely anything remains, save the titles.