Panaetius

Panaetius was a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived from approximately 185 to 109 BCE. He was a prominent figure in the second generation of the Stoic school, succeeding Diogenes of Babylon as head of the Stoic school in Athens. Panaetius is considered a key figure in the transmission of Stoicism to the Roman world, influencing many prominent Roman intellectuals and statesmen, including Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus and Gaius Laelius.

His philosophy marked a shift towards a more practical and accessible form of Stoicism, often referred to as Middle Stoicism. Panaetius focused on ethics and the practical application of Stoic principles to everyday life and social conduct. He emphasized the importance of reason, virtue, and duty, but also introduced more nuanced ideas about emotions and social relationships, moving away from some of the harsher doctrines of earlier Stoics.

Panaetius believed that virtue was the sole good but acknowledged the role of external factors in human happiness. He advocated for a cosmopolitan outlook, stressing the shared humanity of all people and the importance of contributing to the common good. His writings, though largely lost, are known through fragments and the accounts of later authors such as Cicero. Cicero's works, particularly "On Duties" (De Officiis), are heavily indebted to Panaetius's ethical teachings and provide the most significant insight into his philosophical contributions. Panaetius's influence was profound, shaping the ethical and political thought of the Roman Republic.