Hasan Mahmud –
Zeno of Citium was a Greek philosopher and the founder of Stoic philosophy, one of the major schools of Hellenistic philosophy. Around 300 BCE, he lectured in Athens, emphasizing ethics, the notion of living in harmony with nature, and the idea of controlling emotions rationally. It had a major influence on the development of Western philosophy and has been studied and practiced by many thinkers, including the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius.
According to Zeno, one must align their thoughts, actions, and beliefs with the fundamental truths of nature. Since they are adhering to the natural order of things, people who live in harmony with nature might experience inner peace and contentment. Living in peace with nature can also promote compassion and understanding by assisting individuals in coming to terms with their identity and interpersonal relationships.
According to Zeno, individuals must practice virtues like intelligence, courage, self-control, and justice to live in harmony with the natural world. According to him, having these qualities is essential for living a decent, meaningful life and maintaining harmony with the natural world. Individuals could better comprehend the natural rules that govern the universe and live by them by cultivating these qualities.
Zeno also believed that for people to live in harmony with nature, they must have a comprehensive understanding of what reality is. In his view, the reality is composed of two distinct components: the physical components that make up reality and the underlying, abstract principles that govern it. If people had a better grasp of both of these things, they could live in harmony with nature and experience serenity and fulfillment.
Zeno considered the practice of stoicism to be an additional component of living in harmony with nature. In the philosophy of stoicism, moderation, discernment, and acceptance of the present moment are highly valued. Stoics can learn to accept the present moment as it is without allowing their feelings or desires to get in the way. They were able to live in harmony with the natural order of things because they stopped trying to impose their will on the universe and started accepting it for what it is.
Zeno believed that humans needed to cultivate a great sense of empathy and compassion for other people to live in harmony with nature. He believed that for humans to live in harmony with nature, they must recognize and understand the relationship that binds all human beings together: the bond of humanity. By developing compassion and empathy, people may be better able to grasp the requirements and points of view of others, which would encourage cooperation and understanding.
Living in harmony with nature is still a valid philosophy today, especially in light of the growing public consciousness of environmental problems. As we begin to understand the effects of our actions on the world, the idea that humans should not dominate nature but rather coexist with it has gained importance. Examples of how humans have ignored the balance between themselves and nature include climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
Many individuals nowadays live in a technologically enhanced, fast-paced lifestyle that frequently causes a detachment from nature. As a result of not living in tune with their surroundings, persons who experience this disconnect may feel empty and dissatisfied. People might achieve a sense of calm and contentment in their life by adopting the Stoic concept of living in harmony with nature.
Living in harmony with nature can improve both mental and physical health in addition to the environmental element. To live in harmony with nature, it is crucial to cultivate mindfulness and be in the now. The fact that they are not continuously worrying about the future or thinking back on the past can help people feel less stressed and anxious. Instead, they can appreciate the little things in life and live in the now.
A sense of thankfulness and appreciation for their surroundings can also be developed by those who live in harmony with nature. Individuals can experience a sense of happiness and fulfillment that is frequently lacking in the modern world by appreciating the wonder and beauty of nature. This sense of appreciation can also encourage people to respect their surroundings and the species that live there.
The teachings of Zeno of Citium have been portrayed or alluded to in a variety of media, including books, movies, TV episodes, and music. A few well-known examples are Ryan Holiday’s book “The Obstacle is the Way”, which examines the Stoic concepts of perspective, action, and will; the movie “Gladiator”, in which the protagonist exemplifies Stoic principles like courage, integrity, and self-control; and the television series “The Sopranos”, in which Tony Soprano struggles to strike a balance between his personal and professional lives using the Stoic principles. Additionally, references to stoicism may be seen in songs like Lupe Fiasco’s “The Show Goes On”, which emphasizes the Stoic principle of accepting life’s difficulties with composure.
In conclusion, Zeno of Citium’s philosophy, which holds that living in harmony with nature is the purpose of life, is still relevant in today’s society. The idea that people should coexist with nature rather than dominate it has gained importance as environmental challenges have come to the fore. By adopting this attitude, people can discover happiness and contentment in their life, grow grateful and appreciative, and make an effort to be moral and ethical. The Stoic philosophy of living in harmony with nature can assist people in discovering a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their life as well as helping to improve the world in which they live.
