Stoicism is a mode of thinking that encourages rationalism, autonomy, and mastery of the self over emotion. The goal was to detach from emotion and see the nature of the world itself, logos. Every single person, no matter their station, is a part of this natural world and can find solace in their own minds.
The philosophy was mostly popular with the elite of the Roman world. According to the author, they liked Stoicism's idea that they could be their own master, even as their own power was stripped away by imperial powers.
On the other hand, commoners preferred the other religious cults of Rome and its surrounding regions. Their cults focused more on emotional concepts of "ecstasy, comfort and a sense of belonging." They were seen as the opposite of Stoicism's ideas. They were less about the self, and more about praising the popular god of the week, hoping for favor.
Sources:
"And Man Created God" - Selina O'Grady
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