A Note on Cynicism

Cynicism is a word that always carries a negative meaning. To many, a cynic hates people and believes everyone focuses on selfish gains. A person who is extremely sceptical and does not trust easily may be labelled a cynic. However, that is not it. Cynicism, as a concept, goes beyond our individualistic thought.

Cynicism emerged in Ancient Greece. During the prominence of philosophical thought and ideas, many ideas emerged, and so did many teachers. One of them was Diogenes of Sinope. Born in Sinope, the early life of Diogenes is not well known.

It is said that he was exiled to Athens for counterfeiting local currency. In Athens, it is said, that he met Antisthenes, the father of cynicism. There, Diogenes embraced cynicism and became the face of this ideology.

Diogenes started to live on the streets. He found a nice barrel to live in and spent his life there. He observed nature and the environment, learning along the way. He believed that nature was the best teacher. He was happy to exist, like animals do, without any laws or intellect. Just living on the bare minimum.

It focuses on abandoning materialism and living a simple, yet fulfilling life. It is said that on one occasion Diogenes saw a young boy drinking water by cusping his hands. Inspired by this, Diogenes took out a bowl from his bag and broke it, exclaiming that the bowl was useless when he could use his own hands!

The example of Diogenes is central to cynicism, as his life is the handbook to cynicism. Cynicism turned from an idea to a way of life, because Diogenes embraced it. Cynicism focuses on nature. The best way to find the right path to live life is by nature. Nature has already set up examples of animals for us to follow. If a dog can survive on the streets, why can’t a human? So, cynics started to live like dogs on the streets.

This attitude of people like Diogenes earned them the name kunikos, or dog. Kunikos in Greek later became Cynic in English. The meaning of the word is literally “doglike.” Diogenes embraced the title of a dog. Once, Alexander the King comes up to Diogenes and exclaims, “I am Alexander the Great King.” In response, Diogenes replies, “I am Diogenes the Cynic” or “Diogenes the Dog.” Not only that, but Diogenes used to bark at those who called him a dog.

This brings me to the next part of cynicism, the freedom to say the truth. The openness to say whatever is right. Yes, Diogenes was a dog, so let it be. Diogenes embodies this fearless, truth-telling spirit. It was taboo but true. And that is what matters. Diogenes acted like a dog, lived like a dog and befriended dogs, but that was because he embraced the true virtue. The virtue that comes directly from nature, in it’s purest form.

One of the major obstacles in front of cynicism is society. Social laws, norms and conventions may seem appealing, but they are not. They try to detach humans from the true nature of being. Living like a dog can never be normalised. It is not fine. But realising the truth and taking a position on it, is also something that can invite hate and revulsion from people.

Logically, most of our assumptions don’t make any sense. This logical gap led to cynicism. When someone tries to break these norms for the true path, society lashes on and calls them a dog. It needs rigorous training, mental and physical, to live on the bare minimum and become a true cynic. One has to face real hardship, to become a true human. Living virtuously needs strong mental clarity.

That was cynicism, as a way of life. I don’t endorse living out on the streets like a dog. But thinking about this idea and reflecting on our lives, from the eyes of Diogenes is nonetheless worthwhile. Ideas are what matter, and the idea of cynicism is amazing.

(The author is a student of  Humanities at DPS Srinagar)