Source Activity on Cynicism

Read the passages below, and utilizing the knowledge that you have gained through studying The Essential Doctrines of Cynicism, answer the following questions.

Source: Diogenes of Sinope,- A study of Greek Cynicism. BY Farrand Sayre, B.S., A.M., PH.D. Baltimore J.H Furst Company 1938. America

�I came quickly upon the road to happiness. Arriving at this place where Happiness resided, I said, �I remain, O Happiness, of account of you and drink water and eat water cress and sleep on the ground�. She answered me and said, �I will make hardships more pleasant for you than the benefits to be obtained from wealth, which men prefer and ask of me, not perceiving that they are entrusting themselves to a tyrant.� When I heard Happiness say that eating and drinking these things was not training but pleasure, it impelled me to this way of living.� (37th Letter of Diogenes).

First Activity.

1. How does this passage demonstrate the Cynic attitude towards material wealth?

Answer

2. What significance does the passage, �I remain, O Happiness, of account of you and drink water and eat water cress and sleep on the ground� have in relation to the basic ideals of the Cynics?

Answer

Second Activity.

�In summer he used to roll in � hot sand, while in winter he used to embrace statues covered with snow, using every means to inuring himself hardship.� (D.L 6,23)

�The man of Sinope went to houses of ill-fame and insulted and wrangled with the inmates. What did he seek? To learn to bear insults calmly, meeting them with insults� (Gregory Nazianzen, Carmina Moralia 494-496; cf. D.L 6, 90.)

1. Why do you believe that Diogenes performed these actions?

Answer