The latter means that one was to live with a pure mind, free of folly, conceit, greed, etc. The Cynics maintained that the purpose of life is the so-called eudaimonia (happiness) and utmost mental clarity. These include laws, social pressures and conventions, and customs that the common folk take for granted, but have a deeper philosophical meaning. This was known as the defacement of contemporary social and political norms (known as nomos in ancient Greece). Diogenes perfectly showcased this aspect of the philosophy.Īnother core aspect of Cynicism was impudence and lacking a sense of shame. According to the Cynics, these matters have no value in nature. It needs to be noted that due to the nature of this philosophy, there was never a set of pre-established doctrines, but its core principles were always the same and repeated:Ī person can progress towards happiness and clarity through asceticism, as they become free from outside influences – most commonly wealth, power, and fame. Such a lifestyle was deemed pure and in agreement with nature, thus a sign of reason. By rejecting worldly desires such as fame, power, wealth, and lust, a person can reach happiness and live a simple life without any possessions. In a similar way to Stocisim, which was developed under the influence of Cynicism, the Cynics maintain that happiness can be achieved with the highest virtue and that people can live unburdened by worldly desires through rigorous training and moral strength. For these thinkers, the purpose of life was to live in virtue and moral excellence, in perfect symbiosis with the nature. But before we go into those comparisons, let’s take a brief look at Cynicism as a philosophical teaching: What messages does it try to convey? Where the common folk saw negative aspects in a common street dog, the Cynics saw all the pure and good aspects – and quickly turned things in their favor, by simply stating their philosophy and its logical conclusions. It fit perfectly with their teachings and lifestyles and worked to emphasize their ideals and the messages they wanted to convey. In true Cynic fashion, these philosophers gladly adopted this nickname and used it work to their advantage. ![]() Sculpture of the Cynic Philosopher, Diogenes, and a dog. Socrates: The Father of Western Philosophy. ![]() The Laughing Buddha: The Eccentric Monk, God of Plenty and Patron of Bartenders.Asceticism Across the Faiths: Many People in the Major World Religions Have Done it.The name of Cynics and them being called “dogs”, was even more popular during the time of Diogenes – arguably the epitome of Cynic philosophy – who was called thus because of his extremely ascetic lifestyle. It was at this venue that Antisthenes – the first Cynic – taught his philosophical views. And as this was so unconventional at the time they were seemingly denigrated by being compared to dogs.Īnother possibility of the name relates to the famous temple of Heracles and a public gymnasium of ancient Athens – called Cynosarges (Place of the White Dog). The Cynics, as part of their philosophy, lived a simpler, ascetic life. It is quite likely that this odd name began as an insult. In ancient Greek, their name was “ κυνισμός”, and it strangely derived from “ κυνικός” (kynikos), which meant “dog-like” ( kynos – dog). To start off our story of the Cynics, we need to begin with their name. From Xenophanes to Socrates, to Plato and Aristotle, the world of ancient Greek philosophy was without a doubt a pinnacle of human achievements and it truly shows how the Classical Greeks and their civilization were ahead of their time. There is no doubt that ancient Greek philosophers made a colossal impact on the world and its development, as they laid down the immortal foundations for the abundant world of philosophy that was to come. Put on your thinking cap and look inside yourself – it is time to philosophize! Antisthenes and the Emergence of the Cynics ![]() Today we are going to take an in-depth look at this philosophy and the most important Cynics – starting with Antisthenes and going all the way to the famed Diogenes and Crates of Thebes. One of the unique philosophical teachings of ancient Greece was Cynicism – a moral and virtuous teaching that really emphasized the pursuit of a pure, honest life.
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