The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Book VI: The Cynics and the Rise of Stoicism explained
This chapter explores the Cynic school of philosophy, its doctrines, and its key figures, particularly Antisthenes and Diogenes.
What happens
This chapter explores the Cynic school of philosophy, its doctrines, and its key figures, particularly Antisthenes and Diogenes. It details the Cynic emphasis on virtue as the sole good, rejection of logic and natural philosophy, and simple living. The chapter also traces the transition from Cynicism to Stoicism, with Zeno of Citium as a disciple of Crates, and highlights Antisthenes as the founder of the Cynic school and a precursor to Stoic thought.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Self-Sufficiency
Central to Cynic doctrine: virtue is the chief good, sufficient for happiness, and can be taught; exemplified by Antisthenes and Diogenes.
Ethics and Self-Control
Cynics emphasized living simply, controlling desires, and rejecting luxury; Antisthenes argued labor is good and pleasure should be avoided.
Wisdom vs. Sophistry
Antisthenes, originally a pupil of Gorgias the rhetorician, later rejected sophistry for Socratic wisdom; Cynics discarded liberal studies as tools for perversion.
Characters to notice
- Antisthenes
Founder of the Cynic school; Athenian with a Thracian mother; pupil of Gorgias and later Socrates; taught virtue as teachable and sufficient for happiness; advocated simple living and indifference to external circumstances.
- Diogenes of Sinope
Prominent Cynic; lived in a tub; rejected liberal studies; emphasized virtue and self-sufficiency; said 'the peculiar property of the Gods to want nothing'; influenced by Antisthenes.
- Crates of Thebes
Cynic philosopher; disciple of Diogenes; teacher of Zeno of Citium; known for temperance and patience; part of the Cynic tradition.
- Zeno of Citium
Founder of the Stoic school; disciple of Crates; lived in the same manner as the Cynics; considered Cynicism a short road to virtue.
- Socrates
Teacher of Antisthenes; praised by Antisthenes as the source of strength for virtue; his moral philosophy was compared to Antisthenes' teachings.
- Ariston of Chios
Stoic philosopher; mentioned as rejecting logic and natural philosophy, focusing only on ethics; his views aligned with Cynic doctrines.
Key passages
“It is a very useful thing to save a man from being too late for supper.”
Diogenes dismissed a clock as merely useful for not missing a meal.
Reflects Cynic rejection of unnecessary inventions and focus on basic needs.
“Cities are governed, so are houses too, By wisdom, not by harp-playing and whistling.”
Diogenes argued that governance requires wisdom, not musical skill.
Emphasizes Cynic prioritization of practical wisdom over arts.
“I would rather go mad than feel pleasure.”
Antisthenes preferred insanity over experiencing pleasure.
Illustrates Cynic disdain for pleasure as a distraction from virtue.
“It is a royal privilege to do well, and to be evil spoken of.”
Antisthenes considered it noble to act rightly despite criticism.
Shows Cynic indifference to reputation and focus on virtuous action.
