There’s a difference between modern-day cynicism and Cynicism as a philosophy. Antisthenes, as written by Xenophon, Symposium, iv. Wealth and poverty do not lie in a person’s estate, but in their souls. Both would have agreed that wealth isn’t a matter of possessions. It’s not certain if Antisthenes and Diogenes have ever met, but he and the doggish philosopher definitely shared their preference for living a life of poverty. The word ‘cynicism’ comes from the ancient Greek word kunikós, which means ‘doggish’, referring to Antisthenes’ follower Diogenes, who was born in a Greek colony named Sinope. This video explores Diogenes’ philosophy, and what we can learn from his ideas.Ī pupil of Socrates named Antisthenes laid out the first ideas of what would later become the philosophical school called Cynicism. It’s no surprise that people called him ‘doggish’, dog-like, or simply ‘the dog’. He practiced what he preached, behaving obscenely, with no regard for convention. Therefore, we should strip ourselves of these corrupting man made constructs, so we’re able to live how we’re supposed to live: in agreement with nature.ĭiogenes’ stance toward everything cultured was very obvious.
He believed that human society infused us with all kinds of unnatural desires that are not only obsolete, but also prevent us from being happy. When you think of philosophy, the shameless behavior of Diogenes the Cynic probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.ĭiogenes strongly opposed social values and institutions, because, according to him, these are at odds with human nature. On top of that, he defecated, urinated, and even sexually gratified himself in public. He ridiculed people on the streets, disrespected authority, broke with all forms of etiquette, and didn’t care about personal hygiene. Video script of ‘Diogenes | The Philosopher Who Urinated On People’
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