← Glossary
According to Stoic doctrine, passive matter (hylē) is in itself entirely neutral and indifferent with respect to quality. It possesses no inherent properties, values, or meanings. Only the Logos, through its formative power, bestows upon it specific qualities and forms. This means that external things such as body, wealth, or reputation — although composed of matter — are in their physical constitution neither good nor bad. This doctrine carries ethical consequences: it enables the Stoic to appraise external things (adiaphora) correctly and to avoid becoming attached to them.