Cynicism (philosophy)

Cinico Capitolini

Hercules Musei Capitolini MC1265 n2

Antisthenes pushkin

Diogenes looking for a man - attributed to JHW Tischbein

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Crates and Hipparchia Villa Farnesina

Gerome - Diogenes

Cynicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that advocates for living a life of virtue in agreement with nature. This philosophy emerged in the Socratic period and was later practiced in the Hellenistic period by those who believed that the purpose of life was to live in virtue, in agreement with nature. As such, Cynics sought to reject all conventional desires for wealth, power, health, or fame, and to live a life free from all possessions and property.

Origins and History

Cynicism was founded by Antisthenes, a pupil of Socrates, in the 4th century BCE. Antisthenes taught that the path to virtue was to avoid unnecessary desires and to live a life of self-sufficiency and hardiness. The most famous follower of Antisthenes was Diogenes of Sinope, who famously lived in a large ceramic jar and used his simple lifestyle to criticize the social values and institutions of his time.

Following Diogenes, Cynicism spread across the Greek and Roman worlds, with figures such as Crates of Thebes and Zeno of Citium (who later went on to found Stoicism) adopting and adapting Cynic philosophies. Despite its popularity, Cynicism as a formal philosophy waned after the rise of the Roman Empire, but its ideas continued to influence other philosophical schools and movements.

Philosophical Principles

The core of Cynic philosophy centers on the idea of living in virtue in accordance with nature. Cynics argue that society's conventions and the pursuit of wealth, power, and fame are contrary to a natural way of living that emphasizes self-sufficiency, austerity, and freedom from societal norms. Cynics practice asceticism, deliberately choosing to live in poverty as a means of achieving eudaimonia or true happiness, which they equate with living a virtuous life.

Cynics also place a strong emphasis on personal autonomy and independence. They believe that by rejecting societal expectations and living a life of radical honesty and simplicity, one can achieve true freedom.

Influence

Cynicism has had a lasting impact on various philosophical traditions. Its teachings on asceticism and living in accordance with nature can be seen in the later development of Stoicism. The Cynics' disdain for conventional social values and their emphasis on personal freedom also resonated with later existential and anarchist philosophies.

In modern times, the term "cynicism" has come to mean a skeptical or pessimistic attitude towards human motives and actions, a departure from the original philosophical teachings of the Cynics. However, the original Cynic emphasis on living a life of virtue and independence continues to influence contemporary thought.

See Also

• Stoicism
• Socrates
• Diogenes of Sinope
• Asceticism
• Eudaimonia