5 Things To Learn From The Cynic Philosophers

In ancient Greece there were enough exercises, which are still relevant today. However, the Chinese stood out against the background of noble stoics and life-loving epicureans by questioning the social foundations. The point of this was not just hooliganism, but to acquire inner freedom and at the expense of this to come closer to understanding things.

The word "kinik" comes from the name of the Donostia Kinosarg, which means "White Dog." The teaching really assumes that it is necessary to live "like a dog." But not just sleep anywhere, eat leftovers and snap (although these all the kinks were also sometimes engaged), and be brave and faithful to the principles.

The children were more interested in the ethics of everyday life and the place of man in the world than in high theory. Therefore, students, in order to understand the cinematic ideas, needed to confirm their own way of life - through various soul-liberating practices. Not everyone could handle it. Too modest and insufficiently tempered escaped.

This is what the king teachers could offer to those who wanted to learn their philosophy.

The idea of buying a home in a mortgage would seem ridiculous to the cynos. They traveled a lot and stayed overnight in different places. The ideal of extreme self-sufficiency was called autarkia - that is, a situation in which dependence on external circumstances is minimal. At the same time, it is not about escaping from reality and not about the "ivory castle". Continuing the tradition of Socrates, which is also rare

The first of the cynic, Antisphen, popularized among his followers cloak, a dry man and a cat. These items allowed to wander on the roads in any weather, fend off enemies and fold food. And the most famous cynic, Diogenes Sinopsky, realized

Today's millennials are reluctant to buy real estate and new cars (with car companies, this causes

If before owning your home and "exit" was a prerequisite for success and wealth, today it is no longer so, but mobility is valued. It is quite in the ideals of the cynic.

Over time, Diogenes still found more or less permanent housing in Metroon (temple of Kibela). Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't a barrel. The ancient Greeks did not make wooden barrels fastened with rims, and wine, grain and oil preferred to store in clay vessels. It was in such a large vessel - piphos - and settled Diogenes, who all his life had a minimum of personal belongings.

Diogenes said that when he sees rulers, doctors, or philosophers, he feels as if man is the most intelligent of living beings, but when he meets the so-so-doers, soothsayers or people who believe them, and those who swagger by fame or wealth, it seems to him that nothing can be stupider than a man.

Kinik Kratet, who was supposedly Diogenes' pupil, folded

If you live in a piphos for too much, you can look at the principles of minimalism. Try to start with breaking down and conscious attitude to shopping. It is likely that many things that seem necessary actually lie dead weight, and what you buy spontaneously, just joins it.

To become autonomous and lead a nomadic way of life, it was necessary to have a certain temper. The biologists believed that self-restraint strengthened the spirit, making a person stronger. Therefore, not only refused comfort, but also constantly looking for new difficulties. And sincerely rejoiced when they realized that it is possible to come to even more simplicity. Such a harsh attitude to themselves kiniks called austerity.

Once he saw a child drinking water from his palm, Diogenes threw away his bowl. To accustom himself to rejection, he asked the statues for alms. And in order to harden the body, walked barefoot, including in the snow.

The disciples did not lag behind him in self-torture. About Kratet comic poet Philemon wrote

Many people turn to austerity today, and it does not have to be associated with religious practices. For some it is a way to develop the will, become stronger and concentrate on the main thing. Apparently, that's what Pavel Durov thought. Some time ago, he announced that he had swapped ice water for a temporary refusal to eat because "starvation improves the clarity of thought."

Climbing into cold water or to stop eating to strengthen the will is not necessary. It is enough to develop mindfulness: it will allow you to make informed decisions when you find yourself facing some temptation. One-time extreme actions can be remembered for a long time, but the noticeable strengthening of the body and spirit contribute more

Many people know the story of how Alexander the Great came to see Diogenes and said that he could ask for anything. The philosopher did ask, without any pieta, replying to the commander, "Don't obscure the sun for me." (This anecdote is probably of late origin, but is quite in the cinematic spirit.)

Not only the powerful of this world, but also other philosophers got from the cynic. Antisphene and Diogenes openly mocked Greece's greatest thinker Plato, criticizing him for teaching about ideas that were considered too abstract and far from life. In addition, the kiniks considered Plato arrogant and sysy, so did not go past Plato's school without jokes.

One day, Diogenes brought

Arguing with the authorities directly is not always and not in all situations: sometimes it can cost too much. But what can be done for sure is to renounce self-censorship - that is, to stop limiting yourself in actions and wills even before it is really banned.

This allows for an open public debate about certain issues rather than hushing them up.

In addition, do not try to serve in front of the boss - it does not matter whether it is a boss or an informal leader in the company. Your real merits and personal merits in any case will be noticeable, but obsequious behavior does not paint anyone.

The intentions regularly amazed their fellow citizens by doing strange acts or behaving inappropriately in public places. The point of these speeches was to show the relativity of the rules, to overcome the fear of disturbance of order, and to shift the focus of attention from external details to the life of mind and soul.

Mention

Once a man who wanted to learn philosophy, Diogenes gave out a fish and told him to follow it. When he gave up the fish and left, Diogenes laughed, "Our friendship was ruined by fish!"

For example, a person who went out into the yard of an office building to smoke a cigarette or talk on the phone is considered normal. And whoever decides to just stand for a few minutes and look silently into the wall will seem strange. Therefore, many, to be alone with their thoughts and unload the head, have to portray some occupation.

Try not to hide behind anything in such a situation. Adults around are unlikely to comment on it in any way. But Diogenes would be happy with you.