1001Philosophers

Hierocles the Stoic c. 100 AD – c. 180 AD

Hierocles the Stoic (c. 100 AD – c. 180 AD) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Stoicism and Hellenistic.

Hierocles the Stoic was a Greek Stoic philosopher of the second century AD, distinct from the later Neoplatonist Hierocles of Alexandria. Substantial portions of his Elements of Ethics survive in a papyrus from Hermopolis and in the Anthology of Stobaeus. His most influential contribution to Stoic moral philosophy is the celebrated image of the concentric circles, in which each human being is encompassed by a series of widening circles of care, the inner circles consisting of self and family and the outer circles encompassing fellow citizens and the whole of humankind, with the moral task being to draw the outer circles inward toward the center.

Key facts

Nationality
Greek
Era
Ancient
Movements
Stoicism, Hellenistic

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Hierocles the Stoic:

    “Each of us is, as it were, encompassed by many circles.”

  • Attributed to Hierocles the Stoic:

    “We must draw the outer circles inward toward the center.”

  • Attributed to Hierocles the Stoic:

    “Self-perception is the foundation of all care for the self.”

  • Attributed to Hierocles the Stoic:

    “The good of others is no less the concern of the wise person than their own.”

  • Attributed to Hierocles the Stoic:

    “To be human is to be akin to all who share reason.”

Hierocles the Stoic by topic

Frequently asked about Hierocles the Stoic

When did Hierocles the Stoic live?
Hierocles the Stoic was born in c. 100 AD and died in c. 180 AD.
Where was Hierocles the Stoic from?
Hierocles the Stoic was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Hierocles the Stoic associated with?
Hierocles the Stoic was associated with Stoicism and Hellenistic.
What was Hierocles the Stoic known for?
Hierocles the Stoic was a Greek Stoic philosopher of the second century AD, distinct from the later Neoplatonist Hierocles of Alexandria.
How many quotes are attributed to Hierocles the Stoic?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Hierocles the Stoic in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.