Neostoicism was a significant philosophical movement that emerged in the late 16th century, primarily founded by the Flemish humanist Justus Lipsius (1547–1606). It aimed to synthesize classical Stoic ethics—drawing heavily from Seneca the Younger and Epictetus—with Christian principles, notably by rejecting Stoic materialism and determinism to ensure compatibility.
Lipsius's foundational work, De Constantia (1583), published during the tumultuous Eighty Years' War, explored how to maintain inner peace amidst public strife. This systematized approach focused on managing passions and cultivating self-preservation, offering an enduring framework that remained influential for about two centuries. Although attributed to later Roman Catholic authors and viewed by modern scholarship as an ultimately unsuccessful synthesis, Neostoicism represents a fascinating attempt to blend ancient wisdom with Christian faith in response to the challenging times.