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Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC. It was one of the most influential schools of thought in ancient Greece and Rome. The core tenet of Stoicism is that virtue, the exercise of reason, is the only good, and that external things like health, wealth, and reputation are indifferent. Stoics believed that by understanding the rational order of the universe, one could achieve inner peace and happiness, regardless of external circumstances.

The Stoics emphasized living in accordance with nature, which they saw as a rational and ordered cosmos. They taught that individuals should focus on what they can control, which are their own thoughts, judgments, and actions, and accept what they cannot control with equanimity. This acceptance of fate, or providence, was a key aspect of Stoic practice. They developed techniques for managing emotions and overcoming destructive passions, such as anger and fear, through the application of reason and self-discipline.

Key figures in Stoicism include Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Their writings cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, logic, physics, and politics. Stoicism offered a practical philosophy for living a good life, emphasizing resilience, wisdom, justice, and courage. Its teachings have continued to resonate throughout history, influencing various philosophical and psychological traditions.