The Cynic school developed as a direct reaction to:

a) The changes in Greek society firstly produced a lack of social interest in political and communal matters, which in turn encouraged individualism. After Alexander�s Conquests, Greek society no longer consisted of small independent states, whose communities took an active role in the running of the state, both politically and economically. Greece was no longer ruled by independent city states, but large dynastic monarchs and great administrative organisations. Previously, due to the active role of Greek citizens in the community and the political area, Greek philosophy often dealt with political views. However, as Greek society lost its influence over political matters, philosophy turned to matters that became important to the Greek people as they no longer were so involved in community activities. Primarily, philosophy turned to the salvation of the individual, rather than that of the society. In addition to this, it could be said that the Cynic anarchist attitude was a reaction to being ruled by distant monarchs.

b) The �elitist� attitude of previous philosophy schools. Previous to the Cynics, a vast majority of the Athenian philosophy schools only accepted or taught people that came from Greek�s upper class. The Cynics held that everyone is equal, and rejected any notions of social status. The Cynics� distaste towards the relationship between social status and philosophy is displayed successfully through the following quote, �Aristotle has to dine when Philip thinks fit, Diogenes can dine at any time he himself chooses, having no business, or magistrate or prefect to put him out of his general habits of living�. (On Exile 12) Source: Diogenes of Sinope � A study of Greek Cynicism Farrand Sayre. Baltimore. J.H Furst Company. 1938.

c) It could also be concluded that the Cynics� anti-materialistic ideals evolved as a reaction to the highly materialistic Greek culture where material possessions were a symbol of wealth.