Cynicism “A life of Virtue in agreement with Nature”

Founding  Influenced by Socrates, who valued Virtue and cared little for wealth and accepted opinions.  Cynicism traditionally begins with Antisthenes.  Rooted in a life free from worldly pleasures: “I have enough to eat till my hunger is stayed, to drink till my thirst is sated; to clothe myself as well; and out of doors not [even] Callias there, with all his riches, is more safe than I from shivering; and when I find myself indoors, what warmer shirting do I need than my bare walls?” -Antisthenes

Basic Philosophy  Happiness is found by living in agreement with nature.  One must be self-sufficient to be happy.  One must live a life of Virtue.  To find nature, free oneself from wealth, fame, and power, which have no use in nature.  Suffering is caused by false judgments of value, which cause unhappiness.

Cynicism in Practice  Cynics often lived without property.  Though they renounced society’s values, they lived among their fellow citizens.  “Cynicism” is derived from the Greek word for dog, as the Cynics were like watchdogs.  They would “hound” others who devoted their lives to foolish pursuits of worldly pleasures.

Diogenes of Sinope  Born:412 BC  Died:323 BC  Lived in Athens, where he was one of Antisthenes’ disciples.  Lived in extreme poverty, inside a tub on the very streets of Athens.

Praise of Dogs  Diogenes was called “doggish,” and always praised the lifestyle of the dog.  He believed humans could learn much from dogs.  Dogs carry out natural bodily functions in public, eat anything, and care not about where they sleep.  They live in the present, free from anxiety, and have no use for “abstract philosophy.”  Dogs can sense who is friendly and who means them harm. They naturally find the truth.

The Man  He disregarded societal norms.  He once masturbated in the marketplace, urinated on people who insulted him, defecated in the theatre, and gestured at people with his middle finger.  When asked about masturbating in the Agora, he said, “If only it was as easy to soothe my hunger by rubbing my belly.”  He taught by example, and also saw himself as one who must help improve the lives of others.

Other Information  He is believed to be the first to use the word “cosmopolitan,” meaning citizen of the world.  Some interesting stories about his death exist.  “Humans have complicated every simple gift of the gods.”  Possibly enslaved at Corinth.