Stoicism · The Stoic Way, part 6 of 20 · 4 October 2026 · Charlotte Himsworth
Musonius Rufus: Philosophy for Everyone
The Roman teacher who said wisdom belongs to all.
Gaius Musonius Rufus is less famous than Seneca or Marcus Aurelius, but he may be one of the most important teachers of all. He was the teacher of Epictetus, and so, indirectly, of a whole tradition.
The Roman Socrates
Musonius taught in Rome in the first century CE. He was admired for his integrity and was exiled more than once for it. His students recorded his lectures, which are short, practical and strikingly modern.
Philosophy for women
Musonius argued that women should study philosophy just as men do, because women share the same capacity for reason and the same need to live wisely. In the ancient world, this was a bold position, and it still feels fresh.
Practice over theory
He believed philosophy is like medicine or music: you learn it by doing it. Knowing what is good is not enough; we must train ourselves in it, through simple living, self-discipline and daily practice.
Simple living
Musonius spoke about plain food, modest clothing and honest work, not as punishment but as freedom. The fewer things we depend on, the fewer things can disturb our peace.
A simple practice
Choose one small, ordinary task today and do it as practice: preparing a meal, walking somewhere, tidying a room. Bring full attention and care to it. For Musonius, philosophy lived in these moments as much as in books.