Chreia

A chreia is a type of rhetorical exercise or literary form often associated with the teachings of the Stoics and other philosophical traditions in ancient Greece and Rome. It typically takes the form of a brief anecdote or saying that illustrates an ethical principle, moral lesson, or notable behavior, usually attributed to a specific person, often a sage or philosopher. The structure of a chreia generally includes a statement or deed followed by an explanation of its significance, relevance, or moral lesson.