24.10. 10. Of the Sect of Stoics.
The several sects of philosophy among the
ancients were a species of religion. Never were any principles more
worthy of human nature, and more proper to form the good man, than those
of the Stoics; and if I could for a moment cease to think that I am a
Christian, I should not be able to hinder myself from ranking the
destruction of the sect of Zeno among the misfortunes that have befallen
the human race.
It carried to excess only those things in which there is true
greatness — the contempt of pleasure and of pain.
It was this sect alone that made citizens; this alone that made
great men; this alone great emperors.
Laying aside for a moment revealed truths, let us search through all
nature, and we shall not find a nobler object than the Antoninuses; even
Julian himself — Julian (a commendation thus wrested from me will not
render me an accomplice of his apostasy) — no, there has not been a
prince since his reign more worthy to govern mankind.
While the Stoics looked upon riches, human grandeur, grief,
disquietudes, and pleasures as vanity, they were entirely employed in
labouring for the happiness of mankind, and in exercising the duties of
society. It seems as if they regarded that sacred spirit, which they
believed to dwell within them, as a kind of favourable providence
watchful over the human race.
Born for society, they all believed that it was their destiny to
labour for it; with so much the less fatigue, their rewards were all
within themselves. Happy by their philosophy alone, it seemed as if only
the happiness of others could increase theirs.
