Zeno of Citium was a Greek philosopher who is credited as the founder of Stoicism, a philosophical movement that has had a lasting influence on Western thought.

According to legend, Zeno was a wealthy merchant who was shipwrecked on the coast of Athens. After being rescued and making his way to the city, he became fascinated by the lectures of the leading philosophers of the day. In particular, he was drawn to the teachings of the Cynics, a philosophical movement that emphasized living in accordance with nature and rejecting material possessions.

Determined to learn more, Zeno began attending lectures and studying the works of the Cynic philosophers. He was so inspired by their teachings that he decided to dedicate his life to studying and teaching philosophy.

Eventually, Zeno opened his own school in Athens, where he began teaching the principles of Stoicism. His students were drawn to his wisdom and eloquence, and his teachings quickly gained a following.

One of the key tenets of Stoicism is the idea that we cannot control external events or circumstances, but we can control our own thoughts and actions. Zeno believed that by accepting what we cannot control and focusing on what we can, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility, even in the face of adversity.

To illustrate this point, Zeno would often tell his students the story of the "Sage of the Porch." According to the story, a wise man was once asked what he would do if his house was burning down. The sage replied, "I would remain calm and simply take my wisdom with me." This story helped Zeno's students to understand the importance of focusing on what they could.