Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and resilience as a means to overcome destructive emotions. Founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, it emphasizes rationality and virtue as the path to a good life. Stoics believe that while we cannot control external events, we can control our responses to them. Central to Stoicism is the idea of accepting what we cannot change and focusing on our own actions and attitudes. Key figures include Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, who all contributed to the philosophy's teachings on ethics, personal responsibility, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.