During our discussion period in Tuesdays class we talked about The Cynics, what they were what extremes they went to and whether or not we agreed with how they lived. As we briefly discussed in class, cynic is a Greek work meaning dog, and what a Cynic did was choose to live life like animals do; they rejected all possessions and social forms and slept outdoors. That is what the book stated, now our group felt that would have been cynicism taken to a bit of an extreme.
We also feel that The Cynics felt even though they were lower class, they didn't lack anything because they didn't want anything. For example Diogenes was completely content with his lifestyle of being a Cynic because he didn't want much, he was happy with the little he had. Now on the other spectrum of things you have Alexander the Great and if he wanted something he would go out and get it, nothing would stop him.Those who followed Diogenes simply gave up what they had, as a sense of freedom.
Alexander the Great once offered Diogenes, who was laying in the street, absolutely anything he wanted, and Diogenes reply was to stop blocking his sun. Diogenes had found a way to be completely content with how he lived his life. Group 2 doesn't feel this is how everyone would wish to live or that every Cynic would choose to be that devoted, some might just go without what we consider necessities, other may follow Diogenes, what they do is their decision. People who chose this lifestyle shouldn't be frowned upon, they're living how they want to, not how society says they should.
1. Who does the book Doubt refer to as a well known Cynic?
2. If you were a Cynic to what degree would you take you life?
The book refers Diogenes as "great exemplar." If I were a Cynic, I would definitely not go as far as Diogenes did but there is wisdom within his madness. I think being a Cynic involves a mindset of not wanting what other people want and being content with that or wanting what you see and ACTING to achieve it no matter what others say, do, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe cynic life seems simple and care free yet it would not be very practical to take it to the extreme that Diogenes did. I loved the fact Alexander the Great and Diogenes accepted each others beliefs and said that they would in fact 'be each other'.
ReplyDeleteThe Cynics are a carefree people. But when Alexander the Great and Diogenes explained that they could have essentially been one of the same person, doesn't it seemed like that could be demanding? I feel that people would expect more of Diogenes because of Alexander being so credible in the society around him.
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ReplyDeleteThe book refers to Diogenes as an example of a true cynic. If I was a cynic I would live life relaxed, calm, and truly free of all the ridiculous stress that comes from this life. I would not like to be a dirty person and live like a dog or any other animal, but I would focus on keeping myself happy and healthy. People compete too often and with ridiculous intentions, can't we just be happy? If I was a cynic, I would be free from competition and jealousy and be truly content with myself.
ReplyDeleteMy questions for the reading.
ReplyDelete1. What is the name of the writings Hinduism is best identified as?
Answer: Vedas
2. What do you believe in relation to the idea that "there are many Gods, all of whom are manifestations of the same God?"
I feel that cynicism was a great way of life back in the beginning. You could relax, do what you want, live how you want. Now cynics are people that are people who believe that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in or minimizes selfless acts or disinterested points of view. If cynics now were like the ones in the book, call me a cynic now.
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