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Cleanthes

Stoic philosopher, successor to Zeno, known for his hymn to Zeus.

minor

First appearance: i of the things which are in our power and not in our power

Cleanthes shows up with force in That the Logical Art Is Necessary. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Listed as one of the Stoic teachers who support the importance of logic.

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In That the Logical Art Is Necessary: Listed as one of the Stoic teachers who support the importance of logic. Later, in XIX: Against Those Who Embrace Philosophical Opinions Only in Words: Mentioned as a philosopher…

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Character Web

12 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Philosophers and rulers
Assorted historical, mythological, and literary figures

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage is the dramatic climax because it delivers the emotional and psychological peak of Epictetus’s ar…

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In the story

Cleanthes appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

That the Logical Art Is Necessary
Listed as one of the Stoic teachers who support the importance of logic.
XIX: Against Those Who Embrace Philosophical Opinions Only in Words
Mentioned as a philosopher who wrote on possibilities and the ruling argument, part of the academic debate Epictetus dismisses as irrelevant without practice.
To Those Who Read and Discuss for the Sake of Ostentation
Mentioned alongside Socrates and Zeno as a philosopher who avoided display and focused on genuine teaching.
To Those Who Fear Want
Referenced as a philosopher who attended school and drew water, embodying humble self-sufficiency.
Book IV: On Freedom and Familiar Intimacy
Quoted as saying that philosophers utter paradoxes, but not words contrary to reason, supporting the argument about true freedom.

Chapter companion notes

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See Cleanthes in i of the things which are in our power and not in our power

See Cleanthes in That the Logical Art Is Necessary