The Philosopher Who Worked Night Shifts to Pay for His Studies

Around 280 BC, Cleanthes arrived in Athens with no money and a dream of studying philosophy under Zeno, the founder of Stoicism. To pay his way, he drew water from a well at night and ground meal for a local seller before attending lessons in the morning. People nicknamed him the “well-water-drawer.” When the court summoned him to explain how he supported himself, Cleanthes brought his employers as witnesses. They confirmed that he worked for them, and the court acquitted him. It was so impressed that it offered him ten minas, but Zeno told him not to accept the money. Cleanthes later led the Stoic school for more than 30 years. The ancient account says his work was not a source of shame; it was what made his studies possible. It makes me think of people today balancing evening shifts, small businesses or other jobs with school. Have you ever hidden the work that was funding your dream?

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