Stoicism, more than some other philosophies, seems to lend itself towards being coopted for quietism.
That the most often quoted ancient stoic author was Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus makes it hard to ignore this.
"Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours." may well be good advice, but "trust me, who would know better than I, the Emperor, the benefits of staying humble and making your peace with your low position?" makes it ring just a little hollow.
That the most often quoted ancient stoic author was Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus makes it hard to ignore this.
"Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours." may well be good advice, but "trust me, who would know better than I, the Emperor, the benefits of staying humble and making your peace with your low position?" makes it ring just a little hollow.
"Know your place, literal plebs", indeed.