5 things you can learn from the Cynic philosophers

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In ancient Greece, enough exercise, which even today are still valid. Cynics, however, stood out against the noble Stoics and Epicureans active that questioned the social fabric. The meaning of this is not to simple hooliganism, and to acquire inner freedom, and due to this approach an understanding of things.

The word "cynic" is derived from the name of the gymnasium Kinosarg, which means "white dog". The doctrine does suggest that we have to live, "like a dog". But do not just sleep anywhere, eat leftovers, and snap (although this all too often engaged Cynics), and be brave and true principles.

Cynics were more interested in the ethics of everyday life and man's place in the world than high theory. Therefore the disciples to understand the Cynic ideas needed to confirm their own way of life - through a variety of liberating the soul practices. Not all survive. Too modest and insufficiently seasoned ran.

That's what the Cynic teachers can offer to those who would like to learn from their philosophy.

1. Do not get attached to places

The idea of ​​a home purchase mortgage Cynics would have seemed ludicrous. They themselves traveled a lot and stayed the night in different places. The ideal of self-sufficiency at autarky called - that is the situation in which the dependence on external circumstances is minimal. At the same time it's not about running away from the reality and not the "castle of ivory." Continuing the tradition of Socrates, who also rarelyPlato "Feast" appear "washed by and sandals," Cynics believed that thinker, pulling away from the community, may be better to see it and understand.

The first of the Cynics, Antisthenes, popularized among his followers cloak, staff and wallet. These items are allowed to roam the roads in any weather, fend off enemies and put the food. And the most famous Cynic Diogenes of Sinope, realizedDiogenes Laertius "On the life, teachings and sayings of famous philosophers" the charm of a nomadic way of life, when I saw a mouse run past, that does not care about the bed, not afraid of the dark, and not worry about where will stolovatsya tomorrow. Since Diogenes, too, I wandered and slept on a twice folded cloak.

today millenialy reluctant to buy real estate and new cars (the companies that sell cars, it causesThe Cheapest Generation alarm). Many removable housing much nicer, because you can simply move to another location if necessary. A taxi or bicycle - a more eco-friendly alternative to your own car. However, in the journey the car may be necessary, but for this purpose it is always possible to rent.

If before the possession of his house and the "exit" was a prerequisite of success and wealth, but today it is not so, but the mobility is appreciated. It is in the ideals of the Cynics.

2. Do not depend on wealth

Over time, Diogenes still found a more or less permanent home in Metroone (temple of Cybele). Contrary to popular belief, it was not a barrel. The ancient Greeks did not make wooden barrels, rims fastened, and the wine, grain and oil preferred to keep in earthen vessels. It is in such a large vessel - pithoi - and settled Diogenes, who all his life had a minimum of personal belongings.

Diogenes said that when he sees the governors, doctors and philosophers, that it seems as if people - the most reasonable of living beings, but when he meets of interpreters, diviners, or the people who believe them, as well as those who are conceited glory or wealth, then it seems as if nothing could be more foolish than person.

Diogenes Laertius "On the life, teachings and sayings of famous philosophers"

Cynic Crates, who was allegedly a pupil of Diogenes, foldedDiogenes Laertius "On the life, teachings and sayings of famous philosophers" such lines of material goods: "All that I have learned a good, thinking, and listening to Muse, became my; and other wealth to accumulate in vain. "

If you live in pithoi for you - too much, you can look at the minimalist principles. Try to start with and raskhlamleniya conscious attitude shopping. It is likely that many of the things that seem to be necessary, in fact, lay dead weight, and what you buy spontaneously, simply joins him.

3. Strengthen the body and spirit

To become autonomous and to lead a nomadic way of life, it was necessary to have a certain hardening. Cynics believed that the spirit of self-restraint strengthens, making the person stronger. Therefore, not only refused to comfort, but also constantly looking for new challenges. And sincerely happy when they realized that it is possible to come to an even greater simplicity. Such a harsh attitude toward themselves Cynics called askezis.

Once seen as a child is drinking water from palm Diogen thrown his bowl. To train yourself to failure, he asked for alms statues. And in order to temper the body, I walked barefoot, including snow.

We do not keep up with him in self-torture and students. About Crates comic poet wrote to PhilemonDiogenes Laertius. On the life, teachings and sayings of famous philosophersThat the "winter dressed in sackcloth (coarse clothing from fabric. - Approx. auth.), and in the summer wandering in a thick cloak wrapped. "

By austerity, many people turn today, with it does not necessarily have to be linked to religious practices. For some it is a way to develop the will, to become stronger and to concentrate on the essentials. Apparently, some reasoned Pavel Durov. Some time ago, he announcedThat was replaced by a swim in the icy water for a temporary waiver of food, because the "starvation improves the clarity of thought."

Climb into cold water to cease or is not required strengthening will. Enough to develop a care: it will make informed decisions when you are going to have some kind of temptation. Single extreme actions may be remembered for a long time, but a noticeable strengthening of body and spirit more than helpSuperman habit. How to introduce and reinforce important skills systematic and regular exercise, even if it is not too heroic. Sometimes useful to introduce the habit is more difficult than to jump into the hole.

4. Not to curry favor with the power and authority

Many people know the story of how Alexander the Great went to see Diogenes, and said that he could ask for anything. Philosopher actually asked, without any reverence commander answered, "I do not overshadow the sun." (This anecdote, likely later origin, but it is sustained in the spirit of the Cynic.)

Battered by the Cynics, not only the powers that be, but other philosophers. Antisthenes and Diogenes frankly bullied of the greatest thinker of the Greek Plato, criticizing him for his doctrine of ideas, which is considered too abstract and distant from life. Moreover, Cynics believed Plato arrogant and arrogant, so do not go past the Platonic school no joke.

Once brought DiogenesDiogenes Laertius "On the life, teachings and sayings of famous philosophers" there plucked rooster to show the lack of definition of Plato's "man is an animal with two feet and no feathers." On another occasion, suggested Plato dried figs, saying "you can take." When he did take and eat a fig, protested: "Can you take, I said, not to eat." And on one reception in the home of Plato Diogenes began to trample landlady carpets with the words: "trodden down of the vanity of Plato."

argue directly with the government can not always and in all situations: sometimes it can be too expensive. But this is what exactly can be done is to abandon self-censorship - that is, cease to limit itself in action and expression even before it really is banned.

It allows you to open a public debate about these or other problems instead of their hush.

In addition, do not try to curry favor with the boss - no matter whether we are talking about the chief and opinion leaders in the company. Your real merit, and personal dignity, in any case, will be visible, but the obsequious behavior one does not paint.

5. reject conventions

Cynics regularly hit their fellow citizens, making strange things or behaving inappropriately in public places. The meaning of these presentations was to show the relative rights, to overcome the fear of violation of the order and move the focus from the outer parts on the life of the mind and soul.

mentionDiogenes Laertius "On the life, teachings and sayings of famous philosophers" how the Cynic Crates made his student Zeno of Kition go through Athens with a pot of lentil stew, and he saw that he was embarrassed and tries to hide wear and all staff broke the pot. Bathed stew Zenon ran, and Crates shouted after him: "Why are you running? After all, nothing bad will happen to you! "Eventually, unable to withstand such tests, Zeno, who writes Diogenes Laertius, "in spite of their commitment to the philosophy was too modest," left by the Cynics, and founded a school Stoics. There is also taught self-restraint, but without testing and performances.

One day some person who wanted to study philosophy, Diogenes gave the fish and told him to go for it at the ready. When he threw the fish and went, Diogenes laughed: "Our friendship with you destroyed the fish!"

According toDiogenes Laertius. On the life, teachings and sayings of famous philosophers Diogenes, most people only separates only one finger from the madness. After all, if someone will point out all the middle finger, they'll think he has gone mad, and if the index, it will be in the order of things. Now our world is much less apparent than in the Greek polis, where life was very regimented. At the same time today lack unspoken rulesThat we hesitate to violate.

For example, a man who went out into the courtyard of the office building to smoke a cigarette or talking on the phone, it is normal. And the one who will solve a few minutes to just stand and stare at the wall, seem strange. Therefore, to many, to be alone with your thoughts and relieve head, it is necessary to represent something to do.

Try in this situation do not hide behind anything. Adults people around anyway unlikely to somehow comment on it. But Diogenes would be pleased with you.