This week we'll look at one of the few pieces of writing from Cleanthes (the second head of the Stoic school). We will examine his Hymn To Zeus and see what an early Stoic thought of God, the cosmos and humanities relationship with them. Sources: http://elfinspell.com/ClassicalTexts/Rolleston-Epictetus/TeachingsOfEpictetus-HymnToZeus.htmlhttps://department.monm.edu/classics/courses/clas230/MythDocuments/cleanthes.htmhttps://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Hymn_to_ZeusSupport the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoicA paraphrase of the Hymn to ZeusMost glorious of immortals, called by many names, oh sovereign kingZeus, ruler of nature, you govern all things with universal lawHail! For it is right that mortals should address youFor we are your offspring, we are the only creatures on earth to speakTherefore, I will sing hymns to you foreverThe whole cosmos, which circles the earth, obeys youFor such power is contained in your hands, the two-edge thunderboltUnder its blow all nature shuddersYou are the guide of universal reason which mingles with the greater and lesser lights which has grown to become ruler over allNothing occurs apart from you oh Lord, not on earth, or in the cosmos nor beneath the ocean except that which is done through lack of wisdomYou can make the rough smooth and bring order from chaosTo you the ugly seems beautiful. You have fitted things together good and evil into one world guided by reason This reason mortal men ignore at their own peril, while they long to obtain something good They do not know God’s universal law, but if they would only listen and obey, they would live well, in harmony with reasonInstead they rush past each other on diverse paths, some seeking fame, others strife, some wealth others seek pleasures of the body Each self-deceived, working on their own destruction. But you great Zeus, giver of all who lives in the clouds, lord of thunder, save men from their unhappy ignoranceScatter it from our souls and give us the same wisdom that you yourself rely upon And we in return we will praise your works unceasingly as there is no higher office for man or god than to praise Universal Reason