The Ancient Stoics were philosophers in ancient Greece and Rome who emphasized the importance of reason, self-control, and virtue. They believed that living in accordance with nature and accepting what we cannot change leads to true happiness. Key figures included Zeno of Citium, the founder, and later philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism teaches that emotions should be managed through rational thought, allowing individuals to maintain inner peace despite external circumstances. Their ideas have influenced modern psychology and self-help practices, promoting resilience and mindfulness in everyday life.