This month's philosopher for the Senior Theatre Guild is Rufus.
Have you heard of him? Probably not. Gaius Musonious Rufus lived about 2,000 years ago, and was a little known Stoic philosopher. It's important to know about him, for several reasons:
Rufus taught during Nero's time. Remember Seneca? It's ironic that these Stoic philosophers lived during the same time.
One thing to know about Musonious is that he was exiled. A lot of people were during this time. We may not think much about it, but people are exiled when most people don't want to deal with them. When someone is too smart, most people don't want those smart people around. It would make sense to exile people that are not liked, but people that just don't fit? Figure that out.
He was a teacher. But not much of what he said back in these days survives. Wonder why? There's information out there about him. Research him!
An interesting fact: he was known as a teacher for Epictetus. We don't think much about the teachers, but they're the ones that shape the people that are historic. Another thing that's interesting about him is that he formed a small community of philosophers. Who does that? Rufus did over 2,000 years ago.
Also, he believed that women should also study philosophy. Think about this. Rufus was ahead of his time, and wanted everyone to be educated. Gaius questioned if women should get the same education as men. He believed both should be educated. The history of theatre, for thousands of years, women were not allowed on stage. And to use their minds? Women philosophers. Wow. What a philosopher
Rufus believed that people should let their hair grow and retire from the public. Makes sense. Now more than ever. Look at the world we're becoming. It's probably best if you can isolate yourself from this world and culture.
He's a lesser known Stoic. Rufus was considered the 'Roman Socrates'. He not only taught Stoicism, but lived it.
Without Rufus, we would not have Epictetus. Without Epictetus, we would not have Marcus Aurelius.
Philosophy is the only sure road to virtue.
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