Details

ISBN-10: 0691229856
ISBN-13: 9780691229850
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publish Date: 10/18/2022
Dimensions: 6.80" L, 4.50" W, 1.10" H

How to Say No: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Cynicism

Commentaries by: M D Usher
Translator: M D Usher

Hardcover

Price: $17.95

Overview

An entertaining and enlightening collection of ancient writings about the philosophers who advocated simple living and rejected unthinking conformity

The Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who stood athwart the flood of society’s material excess, unexamined conventions, and even norms of politeness and thundered “No!” Diogenes, the most famous Cynic, wasn’t shy about literally extending his middle finger to the world, expressing mock surprise that “most people go crazy over a finger.” When asked why he was called Diogenes the Dog, he replied “because I fawn on those who give, I bark at those who don’t, and I bite scoundrels.” How to Say No is a delightful collection of brief ancient writings about Cynicism that captures all the outrageousness, wit, and wisdom of its remarkable cast of characters–from Diogenes in the fourth century BCE to the column-stander Symeon Stylites in late antiquity.

With their “less is more” approach to life, the Cynics speak urgently to our world of climate change, economic uncertainty, and psychic malaise. Although the Cynics weren’t writers, their memorable utterances and behavior were recorded by their admirers and detractors, and M. D. Usher offers fresh new translations of appealing selections from this body of writing–ranging from street sermons and repartee to biography and snapshots of Cynics in action.

Complete with introductions to the volume and each selection as well as the original Greek and Latin on facing pages, this lively book demonstrates why the Cynics still retain their power to surprise us and make us laugh–and to make us think and question how we live.

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Reviews
"This fascinating, well-translated selection admirably exemplifies the multi-faceted nature of the cynic way of life and is thoroughly recommended."–-Peter Jones, Classics For All Reviews
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Details

ISBN-10: 0691229856
ISBN-13: 9780691229850
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publish Date: 10/18/2022
Dimensions: 6.80" L, 4.50" W, 1.10" H
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