Without their presence, our world would be significantly different: Them being the reference to essential entities or entities of significant importance.
In the bustling city of ancient Athens, philosophy was a beacon of wisdom and knowledge. It was here that the Cynic philosopher Crates, nicknamed "the opener of all doors" or "door-opener", made his mark.
Born into a wealthy family, Crates renounced his privileged life to embrace a life of poverty and virtue, embodying the Cynic philosophy. His gentle demeanour and eagerness to help others earned him this fitting nickname, symbolising his openness and accessibility within the philosophical community.
Crates' teachings had a profound impact on his student, Zeno of Citium, who would later go on to found Stoicism, one of the most influential schools of philosophy. Zeno, in his quest for knowledge, sought out Crates as his teacher, marking the beginning of this philosophical lineage.
Interestingly, Epictetus, even as a slave, found his way to Musonius Rufus' lectures. Despite never meeting Marcus Aurelius in person, Epictetus' teachings left a lasting impression on the future Roman Emperor. Marcus Aurelius, in his pursuit of wisdom, sought out the great minds of his time, including Rusticus, Fronto, and Sextus the philosopher. However, it is said that he learned as much from Epictetus as he did from his actual instructors.
In a different realm, the art of swordsmanship was also being honed. According to a samurai named Banzo, becoming a great swordsman takes ten years. Working extra hard may extend this process to thirty years. However, Banzo also warned that the more one rushes, the slower the process may become.
This brief exploration into the past reveals the enduring legacy of Crates the Cynic philosopher and the profound impact his teachings had on the development of Stoicism, a philosophy that continues to resonate with people today.
Crates' teachings, fostering personal growth and self-development through learning, significantly influenced the emergence and spread of Stoicism, a philosophy still relevant for individual progress and education-and-self-development today. His student Zeno, in pursuit of knowledge, sought him out and marked the beginning of this philosophical lineage.
