The Life of Cleanthes

Cleanthes was a Hellenistic philosopher who lived in Athens during the 3rd century BC. He was one of the most significant disciples of the famous philosopher Zeno of Citium, who founded the Stoic school of philosophy. Cleanthes is best known for his contributions to Stoicism, particularly his emphasis on ethics and the importance of living in accordance with nature.

Cleanthes was born in Assos, a city located in what is now Turkey, around 330 BC. He was initially a boxer and a water-carrier before he became a student of Zeno of Citium. It is said that he was so poor that he had to beg for food, and he was once caught stealing figs from a marketplace. Despite his humble origins, Cleanthes became one of the most respected philosophers of his time and took over the school on Zeno’s death.

Cleanthes was known by fellow students as ‘the ass’ but it’s not entirely clear if this was due to his patience or his slowness. Cleanthes himself revelled in his nickname as he felt it implied that he was strong enough to bear any weight of thought that Zeno put on it.

As a Stoic, Cleanthes believed that the purpose of life was to live in accordance with nature. He saw nature as a rational and orderly system, and he believed that humans should strive to live in harmony with it. According to Cleanthes, living in accordance with nature required practicing virtue, which he defined as the ability to act in accordance with reason and to do what is right.

One of Cleanthes’ most famous works is his hymn to Zeus, which is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek religious poetry. The hymn praises Zeus as the ruler of the universe and the source of all wisdom and knowledge. It also expresses the Stoic belief in the unity of all things and the interconnectedness of the universe.

Cleanthes believed that the soul was a material substance and that this passed on through generations – he rationalised this by the fact that physical qualities and mental capacity can be transmitted from parent to child. He believed then that the soul lived on after death but that the intensity of it’s continued existence would depend on it’s strength or weakness.

Cleanthes was of the opinion that pleasure was not a good and that it was contrary to nature, he saw passions such as fear and love as weaknesses as they lack strain or tension, which was a state he emphasised as linked to self control, moral strength and virtue. Cleanthes stressed the importance of a life which is lived ‘consistently with nature’ and of being comfortable with the course of the universe.

Cleanthes’ philosophy had a profound influence on later Stoic thinkers, including Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. He is also known for his debates with the Epicurean philosopher Philonides, which were said to have been so intense that they attracted crowds of spectators.

In addition to his philosophical works, Cleanthes also wrote on subjects such as music, astronomy, and meteorology. He is credited with developing the concept of the pneuma, which was a vital force that was thought to permeate all living things – a spirit or soul – which is a fragment of the spirit of Zeus.

Cleanthes died in Athens in 232 BC. He had a stomach ulcer – prior to his death he was told to fast to relieve the pain however after this subsided he continued to refuse food saying he was already half-way down the road to death and did not want to retrace his steps.

The Roman Senate erected a statue of Cleanthes in Assos which was still standing in the 6th Century – this is no longer visible and it’s fate is unknown.

Although many of his works have been lost over time, his contributions to Stoic philosophy continue to be studied and admired today. His emphasis on ethics and the importance of living in accordance with nature remain influential in modern philosophy, particularly in the field of environmental ethics.

Quick Facts about Cleanthes:

Cleanthes was born in Assos, a city located in what is now Turkey, around 330 BC.
He was initially a boxer and a water-carrier before he became a student of Zeno of Citium, who founded the Stoic school of philosophy.
Despite his humble origins, Cleanthes became one of the most respected philosophers of his time.
As a Stoic, Cleanthes believed that the purpose of life was to live in accordance with nature.
He saw nature as a rational and orderly system, and he believed that humans should strive to live in harmony with it.
According to Cleanthes, living in accordance with nature required practicing virtue, which he defined as the ability to act in accordance with reason and to do what is right.
Cleanthes’ most famous work is his hymn to Zeus, which is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek religious poetry.
Cleanthes’ philosophy had a profound influence on later Stoic thinkers, including Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.
In addition to his philosophical works, Cleanthes also wrote on subjects such as music, astronomy, and meteorology.
Cleanthes is credited with developing the concept of the pneuma, which was a vital force that was thought to permeate all living things.
Cleanthes died in Athens in 232 BC.