Epicureans and Stoics

Two important philosophical groups developed in the Hellenistic Age: the Epicureans and the Stoics. They focused on the individual, not on nature. They sought a meaning for human life. What were their responses?

Epicureans

The founder Epicurus gave the group its name. They intended to lead the human being to happiness which for them meant serenity. For this, one needs to get oneself free from fear of the Gods and of death. 

In terms of morals, they stated that the best way to be happy and not sad was to desire only the strict necessities. It's wanting superfluous things that leads to pain.

Stoics

Its founder was Zeno and the name of the group was derived from their meeting point: the Stoa. They assumed that one cannot have everything one desires, but it is acceptable to try to obtain everything one can reasonably get. So, the point is not to desire what you cannot get. Furthermore, they think that destiny is unavoidable so the best way to be happy is to accept it with resignation. Therefore the conclusion is that happiness is in what we have, not in what we desire.