Ideas are reduced to images which are merely the co-ordinated result of many similar sensations preserved in memory and expressed in speech. The universe is conceived of as a great living organism composed of body and soul, both of material nature. Hence a man is virtuous when he wishes that which happens and nothing else. But besides reason, there are in man passions and emotions. These are irrational elements, vices, and must therefore be eradicated in order to complete the domination of reason and to avoid every surprise.
Stoic morality is one of absolute renunciation.
The Stoic renounces all temporal goods because their loss can cause disturbance of mind. Hence, while Christian morality is based on humility and charity, the ethics of the Stoic are based on egotistical pride. The Defects of Stoicism Stoic teaching, in the main, was a direction for the strong man. It was pitched too high for average human nature and offered little regard for human sympathy and human weakness. The Stoic was obsessed by the pride of his own virtue.