| Religious destitution of the Roman in second century b.c. in regard
to (1) his idea of God, (2) his sense of Duty. No help from
Epicurism, which provided no religious sanction for conduct;
Lucretius, and Epicurean idea of the Divine. Arrival of Stoicism
at Rome; Panaetius and the Scipionic circle. Character of
Scipio. The religious side of Stoicism; it teaches a new doctrine
of the relation of man to God. Stoic idea of God as Reason,
and as pervading the universe; adjustment of this to Roman
idea of numina. Stoic idea of Man as possessing Reason, and
so partaking the Divine nature. Influence of these two ideas on
the best type of Roman; they appeal to his idea of Duty, and
ennoble his idea of Law. Weak points in Roman Stoicism: (1)
doctrine of Will, (2) neglect of emotions and sympathy. It
failed to rouse an "enthusiasm of humanity"
| [357]-379 |