How Did Zeno of Citium Die?

Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, is said to have died around 262 BC. The accounts of his death are primarily anecdotal, and there are a few different stories about how he passed away.

One popular account suggests that Zeno died after he tripped and fell while walking. According to this story, he broke his arm and, upon realizing he could not help himself any longer, he expressed a sense of peace with his impending death. He allegedly said something along the lines of, ‘I come, my good genius, I come,’ which reflects the Stoic ideal of accepting death as a natural part of life.

Another version notes that Zeno may have succumbed to old age, having lived a long and fruitful life dedicated to philosophy. Regardless of the exact circumstances of his demise, his teachings and contributions to Stoicism significantly influenced Western philosophy.

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