back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 7813

[from 'reports' by Diogenes (Sin), in 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / b. Intellectualism ]

Full Idea

An advantage of Cynicism was that it was open to anyone who could grasp its simple teachings. Understanding it required neither education nor sophistication.

Gist of Idea

Cynicism was open to anyone, and needed neither education nor sophistication

Source

report of Diogenes (Sin) (reports [c.360 BCE]) by A.C. Grayling - What is Good? Ch.3

Book Reference

Grayling,A.C.: 'What is Good? The Best Way to Live' [Phoenix 2003], p.43


A Reaction

This was the source of the well-known opposition of Diogenes to Plato's Academy, and it makes him a key predecessor of the teachings of Jesus. Personally I think the really good life is difficult, and it needs education and careful rational thought.