Xeno of Cedium is called the founder of stoicism. I don't really follow this current historical time line as Socrates preceded Zeno by 60 years and lived and spoke the definitive stoic philosophy. It may have been one of those newly coined word things. Pythagoras was very close to Socrates in his philosophies and teachings and the essence of stoicism has probably weaved throughout our longer histories. By its own nature, it is definitive as to how humans and villages can easily find balance and co-existence. My introduction was in reading Thoreau's Walden during high-school, but my weekly tune in with Alan Watt's provided an additional perspective to the mergence of my church teachings, stoicism and modern times.
Neither Socrates nor Pythagoras wrote anything down, leaving their message to the pens and tongues of their students and followers. 4th century Greece was during the heart of the Golden Years. Xeno, Epictitus and Tsunzo's Art of War were authors of much of what became the stoic movement. Today, I provide 10 stoic principles of maintaining silence:
Silence causes confusion and uncertainty in others
Silence eliminates distractions, and leads to clear consideration
Silence attracts attention
Silence builds strength
Silences helps free us from pride and arrogance
Silence aids in negotiations and discussions
Silence convey's kindness and consideration
Silence allows deeper listening
It is the art of reflective wisdom: Zeno wrote it is better to trip with the feet than with the togue
Silence adds resilience during adversity
I will continue to use the old school stoicism as a stage to discuss and share many topics in this blog series.
Comments