← Glossary
Proskinesis (from Greek προσκύνησις, literally: prostration, bodily bow) is transformed by the Stoics from a political act of submission into an inner philosophical state. It refers not to the external subjugation of the body, but to the rational acceptance of the Hegemonikon toward the Logos and the cosmic order. The Sage does not bow out of fear or weakness, but out of recognized insight into the rationality of the world order. This is the highest form of voluntary assent (synkatathesis) to necessity.