Bertrand Russell on Stoicism

Marking so I remember:

"When we compare the tone of Marcus Aurelius with that of Bacon, or Locke, or Condorcet, we see the difference between a tired and a hopeful age. In a hopeful age, great present evils can be endured, because it is thought that they will pass; but in a tired age even real goods lose their savour. The Stoic ethic suited the times of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, because its gospel was one of endurance rather than hope."
Source: Bertrand Russell, A History Of Western Philosophy, p.262, ISBN: 0-671-20158-1

Marcus Aurelius: "Since it is possible that thou mayst depart from life this very moment, regulate every act and thought accordingly."
Source: p.265, ibid.

Early Stoic advocates: Zeno, Cleanthes of Assos, Chrysippus, Panatius, Posidonius
Later Stoic advocates: Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius (a.k.a. Antoninus)

Notes (not much use without the book):

• Syrian (early) and Roman (later) influences.
• Zeno -- Admirer of Socrates' physical constitution; rejected contemporary emphasis on denial of the senses and created his own metaphysic, with emphasis on Virtue and common sense (extreme materialism); cycles of fire; lawgiver intelligently designed universe for certain ends by natural means; universal system, Divine Fire in everything (borrowing Heraclitus' idea); virtue versus worldly desires; logical problems with Zeno; futility; coldness; principles versus practice; description of Zeno's god: "God runs through the material world as honey runs through the honeycomb."
• Cleanthes -- noted for 1) supporting heliocentric theory by prosecuting Aristarchus of Samos, 2) his "Hymn to Zeus."
• Chrysippus -- made Stoicism systematic and pedantic; Chrysippus' soul, logic, and theory of knowledge.
• Panaetius
• Posidonius -- scientist, astronomer, historian, integrated Stoicism and Plato; Posidonius' soul; paved way for Gnosticism through revival of Orphic notions and incorporation of Neo-Pythagorean beliefs into Stoicism.
• Seneca -- teacher to the Emperor's family; personal wealth vs. his principles; death by forced suicide.
• Epictetus -- teacher, writer; citizens of the universe; submit to God; defines Stoic; love your enemies, reject passion; sincerity and simplicity in his writings, superior to Plato as Plato was superior to previous times.
• Marcus Aurelius -- wrote "Meditations"; upbringing; life in harmony with the universe; personal daemon == guardian angel; universe as close-knit whole; universal brotherhood; two contradictions: 1) free will versus determinism, 2) benevolence in theory but not in practice; Kant's impractical escape from contradiction #2; Conclusion -- sour grapes; contributions in other fields: theory of knowledge, natural law and natural rights; theory of knowledge; innate ideas and principles; natural law and natural rights not implemented until 17th century Christianity.

If you have read this far you have passed the neo-Stoic test. :) May the rest of your life be filled with sour grapes, coldness, and futility. May we meet again in the cycle following this cycle's collapse into fire and rebirth, or, if we are really good, meet by the stars and influence souls on earth through manipulation of astrology for all eternity. Note: these are real Stoic beliefs.

Questions for later:

1. What did Zeno react against when he decided to formulate Stoicism?
2. How did Posidonius' integration of neo-Pythagorean bits and revival of Orphicism provide a stepping stone for Gnosticism?
3. Why was Marcus Aurelius' son Commodus the worst of the worst Roman emperors
4. Why did Bacon, Locke, and Condorcet believe their generation's evils would pass, while Marcus Aurelius did not?
   
5. Who were the Cynics? How might their worldview have influenced Zeno in a way that produced Stoicism?
6. Why was Cleanthes' prosecuting of Aristarchus of Samos memorable?
   

Answers:

1. 1
   
2. 2
   
3. Some answers here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodus
   
4. 4
   
5. 5
   
6. 6