Discourses · Chapter
About Cynism explained
Epictetus discusses the true nature of Cynicism, emphasizing that it is a divine calling requiring complete purity of the ruling faculty, freedom from desire and aversion, and a role as a messenger from Zeus to guide humans toward true good
What happens
Epictetus discusses the true nature of Cynicism, emphasizing that it is a divine calling requiring complete purity of the ruling faculty, freedom from desire and aversion, and a role as a messenger from Zeus to guide humans toward true good and evil. He contrasts the superficial image of the Cynic (wallet, staff, begging) with the profound discipline of living openly, without concealment, and enduring hardship with love for all.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Slavery
The Cynic is described as free, without fear or sorrow, and treating others like slaves, contrasting with those enslaved by external desires.
Desire and Aversion
Epictetus instructs the Cynic to take away desire entirely and transfer avoidance only to things within the power of the will.
Providence and Acceptance
The Cynic accepts all suffering as exercise from Zeus, never blaming God or man, and glorifies in his circumstances.
Philosophy as Practical Discipline
Cynicism is presented as a practical, lived philosophy requiring purity of the ruling faculty and bold public action.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
Instructor explaining the true nature of Cynicism to a pupil.
- Diogenes
Cited as a spy of good and evil, and as an exemplar of the Cynic who gloried in his circumstances.
- Socrates
Quoted as a model for the Cynic's bold public address to misguided people.
- Zeus
The divine sender of the Cynic as a messenger and the one who exercises the Cynic.
- Hercules
Example of one who endured tasks set by Eurystheus without complaint, paralleling the Cynic's endurance under Zeus.
- Agamemnon
Used as an example of a leader who, despite wealth and power, was unhappy due to a neglected ruling faculty.
- Nero
Cited as an example of someone in royal power who was not happy.
- Achilles
Mentioned as one who can fight in single combat against Hector, illustrating proper roles in the world.
Key passages
“In the first place then you must make your ruling faculty pure, and this mode of life also.”
First, you must purify your mind and your way of living.
Epictetus emphasizes internal purity as foundational for the Cynic.
“But the Cynic instead of all these things must use modesty as his protection: if he does not, he will be indecent in his nakedness and under the open sky.”
The Cynic's only shield is his own modesty; without it, he is exposed and shameful.
Contrasts the Cynic's open life with others' use of walls and concealment.
“For what shall he accuse him of? because he maintains a decency of behavior, because he displays his virtue more conspicuously?”
Why would the Cynic blame God? Because he behaves decently and shows his virtue clearly?
Rhetorical question affirming that suffering enhances virtue.