Stoicism - College of Stoic Philosophers

STOICISM. 37CHAPTER IV.STOICISM IN THE RIGOUR OF ITS ESSENTIALPRINCIPLES.The strength and originality of the Stoic system isto be found undoubtedly in the rule of life which itprofessed, but nothing can seem more indefinite atfirst than the familiar phrase of "Hving in conformitywith Nature," in which their moral standard was expressed.It might seem to admit of almost any explanation,and to lend itself as well to the grosser formsof practical Epicureanism, which justify the fullestindulgence of the instincts, as to the finer moods ofHellenic thought which entrusted the regulation ofman's life to a sort of cultivated sympathy or artistictaste for natural beauty and refinement. Its valuemust depend upon the meaning which they gave tothe word " Nature," and thatwas too full and manysidedto be included in a definition. We must first,therefore, gain a clearer notion of their views uponthis and kindred subjects.•In the order and harmony of universal nature thereare signs enough, they argued, of a First Cause andGoverning Mind. Human instinct has everywherepointed to this cardinal truth, and from this flow themultitudinous forms of worship in all lands. A litde