Ancient Greece: Philosophy and Mythology
During the Hellenistic period, Greek philosophy underwent a transformation, as it spread throughout the Mediterranean world under the influence of Alexander the Great's conquests. Two major schools of thought emerged during this time: Stoicism and Epicureanism.
Stoicism was founded by the philosopher Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BCE. It taught that the universe is governed by reason, and that human beings should live in accordance with this divine reason. The goal of life, according to Stoic philosophy, is to live in harmony with nature and to cultivate a sense of inner peace, or ataraxia. Stoics believed that by accepting what happens in our lives and focusing on what is within our control, we can achieve a state of tranquility and happiness.
Epicureanism, on the other hand, was founded by the philosopher Epicurus in Athens in the 4th century BCE. It taught that the highest good is pleasure, understood as the absence of pain, and that the purpose of life is to attain this pleasure. Epicureans believed that the universe is made up of atoms and that there is no afterlife, so the pursuit of pleasure in this life is the only thing that matters. However, they also emphasized the importance of living a simple life and avoiding excess, as well as cultivating friendships and community.
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