Cynics

Cynics were unconventional thinkers, who were more individually focused than concerned with the greater good. Cynics eschewed materialism and the conventions of society and marriage (including where marriage was consummated), and were known for their shocking behaviors and shamelessness when it came to demonstrating their philosophical views.



Unfortunatly Cynics often offend people unintentionally. When I sent this card i thought the joke would be appreciated. What an idiot. My intent was never to offend, just to illuminate an unspoken current of action - it was my weakness also that I could not illuminate this current through direct communication. I wasn't aware enough:

From topy.net:

As first steps towards change, we attempt to cultivate an awareness ov thee consequences ov our thoughts and actions, and to direct our energies in constructive directions. All this is done on thee understanding that our thoughts and behaviour form thee interface between our lives and thee lives ov others, and their repercussions are therefore endlessly returning.

One of the most notorious Cynics was Diogenes:

The Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope (c. 412-c. 323 B.C.) was a Cynic -- that is, a practitioner of the philosophy of Cynicism. Diogenes is said to have been homeless, to have begged or stolen what he needed to survive, and to have preferred to live without any luxuries.

One of the many anecdotes about Diogenes the Cynic is that when the philosopher was rude to Alexander the Great, Alexander responded by saying that if he weren't Alexander, he would want to be Diogenes. Diogenes and Alexander the Great are said to have died on the same day. Diogenes is depicted in art carrying a lantern with which he is said to have vainly hunted by daylight for an honest man.

The classical school of cynicism has several tenents that are presently reflected in absolutely every fucking thing that I write, albeit without intention. Its just who I am. Its my nature.

1. Self-sufficiency (ataraxia)
2. Living by personal example
3. Exposing the falsehood of conventional thinking
4. Exposing vice and conceit
5. Living according to nature.

Being a Cynic is not quite as fun as being a Sileni, but its cheaper.

Unlike the cynics of old, I reject the conceptual importance of philsophies rather than the material importance of possessions, which makes me a humungous pain in the arse.

Of the Sileni, Wikipedia offers the following:

"The Sileni were followers of Dionysus. They were drunks, and were usually bald and fat with thick lips and squat noses, and had the legs of a human."

A Silenus: I think I know this guy from somewhere....