What the ancients saw
The primacy of Virtue
In On Ends, the Roman statesman Cicero attacked Stoicism.
His primary complaint was that the Stoics defended the same philosophy as the Aristotelians—they just used new words. Whenever they said anything truly different or unique, they were wildly off base.
Both philosophies saw virtue and character as primary. But the Aristotelians believed that things like health are good, whereas the Stoics said that health is a preferred indifferent. Cicero asks: what’s the difference?
It’s an interesting critique. I highly recommend both Book III and Book IV of On Ends—for the classic defense of Stoicism, followed by Cicero’s rebuttal.
What it brings to mind today is that there’s not much daylight between many of the ancient philosophies—especially when contrasted with the worldviews of today.
The Aristotelians held that health, wealth, and reputation were truly good things—unlike the Stoics, who saw the good only in what we can control. Since we cannot control health, wealth, or reputation, they are preferable—but our happiness doesn’t depend on them. Even for the Aristotelians, virtue is far more important than wealth and health.
They did think you needed to be free of intense physical pain—and that’s the edge case where Stoics and followers of Aristotle will clash. But there’s already so much overlap.
To take another example: remember how much Seneca uses Epicurus—the founder of the rival school—in his letters.
All of the ancient philosophers prized virtue. They praised moderation and self-control. Even the Cyrenaics—profound hedonists—put self-mastery on a pedestal. Each school taught the necessity of shaping our desires and pursuing knowledge.
I don’t mean to suggest that all of these philosophies: Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, and such are the same. There are clearly profound differences. But the focus on virtue among all of them is striking.
It shows the value of returning to each ancient philosophy—and questioning today’s philosophies that ignore the classical traits.
“But,” you say, “many evils befell him!”
Who denies it? But those evils were eclipsed by the magnitude of his virtue.
Cicero, On Ends
An event you may be interested in: Michael will be hosting a dialogue on Stoic Wisdom with Evolve Magazine on Friday, May 9th.
Check out our Stoa Conversations about On Ends:
The Epicureans | On Ends Book I (Episode 172)
In 45 BC, amid the turmoil of the Roman Civil War, Cicero wrote one of philosophy's most important works on the meaning of life. This episode unpacks Book I of "On Ends," exploring the clash between Epicurean pleasure-seeking and Stoic virtue.
Against The Epicureans | On Ends Book II (Episode 175)
Caleb and Michael take on Book II of Cicero’s On Ends. In this books Cicero goes off against the Epicureans. What do you think?
The Classic Defense Of Stoic Ethics | On Ends Book III (Episode 177)
In this episode of Stoic Conversations, Caleb and Michael break down Book III of Cicero's On Ends - the definitive ancient defense of Stoic ethics.
Why Stoicism is False | Cicero's On Ends IV (Episode 179)
Caleb and Michael break down Book IV of Cicero's "On Ends" - his powerful critique of Stoic ethics.