Although an emotionally narrow and fanatical philosophy, Stoicism proved to have positive influences on human rights and equality in the 16th to 18th centuries.
Epicurean Hedonism: Pursue Pleasure but Beware of Desire
Epicurus believed the gods had no interest in human affairs and people should always pursue happiness, but to remember that dynamic sexual love was harmful.
The Sceptics: A Philosophy of Dogmatic Doubt
The Sceptics eschewed belief, although they denied nothing, and this caused great contrasts between two of its key players. Both, however, were ignoble, the first through brutality and strictness, the second through laxness and dissolution.
The Cynics and Diogenes, the Philosopher who Lived in a Barrel
Diogenes, the Cynic Philosopher who lived like a dog and was brother to all of creation, considered himself happier than Alexander the Great.
Sojourner Truth: Abolitionist, Reformer, Champion of Black Women
Sold for $100 with a flock of sheep, Sojourner Truth rose from abject slavery to tell the world that Christ came from God and a woman – and man had nothing to do with it.
