Cynics: how to learn the mind to stay calm.

     

    To be a cynic today means not to understand anything and to consider everyone around as idiots. In other words, cynicism is just conformism in modern society. Studies show that cynics are more likely to suffer from depression, low income, and lack of respect from others. Isn't it time to return from this miserable state to the ancient Greek philosophy of cynicism, which taught the exact opposite? The Atlantic magazine Cynicism—that is, the belief in human immorality and perfidiousness—dominates American culture. Compared to 1964, the number of Americans who believe that the government is doing the right thing “always or almost always” has dropped by 53%, from 77% to 24%.offers to recall its foundations: now fashionable cynical outlook on life has a negative impact on our mental and material well-being.

    Modern people have distorted the original meaning of this philosophy. Instead of thinking that everything around us sucks, we should take a cue from the ancient Greek cynics, who pursued the truth and rebelled against the status quo, discipline, self-sufficiency and cooperation.

    The founder of the philosophical school of Cynicism is considered to be a student of Socrates Antisthenes, and the popularizer is Diogenes of Sinop, who lived in the 5th century BC. The Cynics denied any considerations that prevented the rethinking of generally accepted dogmas, the search for truth and happiness. If a modern cynic says that the president is an idiot and therefore his policies are no good, the ancient cynic would have analyzed every point of this policy without prejudice.

    The modern cynic outright denies ideas (“this is stupid”), while the ancient cynic refrained from judgment (“maybe it’s right, maybe it’s not”).

    “Cynicism in the modern sense is completely opposite to its original meaning. Today, it means rather a rejection of moral and intellectual pursuits,” writes David Macella of the University of Houston in his book The Origins of Cynicism.

    In Antisthenes' time, there was no index of happiness, so we cannot determine how satisfied the Cynics were with life compared to those who did not adhere to their philosophy. However, we know for sure that modern cynicism is harmful. A 2009 study found that cynics are about five times more likely to suffer from depression. That is, bilious 25-year-olds risk turning into gloomy 44-year-olds.

    Modern cynics are also characterized by poorer health. In 1991, scientists conducted a study among middle-aged men and found that a cynical outlook on life significantly increases the risk of dying from cancer and heart disease - possibly due to the fact that it leads to the abuse of alcohol and tobacco products. And a 2017 study of middle-aged Finnish men found that cynicism was also a predictor of premature death.

Further - worse. People generally don't respect cynics.

An article published in 2020 in the Journal of Experimental Psychology argues that cynicism robs a person of the respect of others, perhaps because such people themselves behave disrespectfully towards others, and this creates a vicious circle.

In addition, cynics tend to earn less. In 2015, scientists found that even after adjusting for gender, education, and age, the least cynical people increased their earnings by an average of $300 a month over nine years. The most cynical after nine years received the same amount as before, or less. The researchers explained this by saying that cynics "are more likely to miss opportunities for cooperation and, as a result, deprive themselves of the help of others." In other words, being a misanthrope is more expensive for yourself.

To become more prosperous, one must not only avoid cynicism in all its manifestations, but also strive to become a real cynic.



The ancient cynics lived according to certain principles, which are based on conscience, indifference to worldly goods, radical equality and a healthy lifestyle.

In order to be inspired by the ideas of the Cynics, I advise you to devote a separate day to each of the Cynic principles.

1. Eudaimonia ("happiness")



    The ancient cynics knew that it was impossible to achieve happiness by participating in a continuous struggle for property, pleasure, power and prestige. Happiness can be found only by renouncing false desires. Make a list of worldly things that attract you—like expensive things or the admiration of others—and say out loud, “I refuse to give in to these desires.”

2. Ascesis ("discipline")

    We cannot clear our minds of fog and confusion until we stop dulling our senses, whether through alcohol and drugs or the mindless entertainment that provides us with an escape from real life. Make a decision to abstain from harmful substances and habits. Instead of watching TV after dinner, go for a walk. Instead of a cocktail, drink a glass of water and feel the freshness from every sip. Such discipline will strengthen your willpower and help you develop habits that promote happiness.

3. Autarky (“self-sufficiency”)

    If we need the approval of others, we will never achieve self-control and true freedom. Let go of the need for approval from others. Consider what you most often seek praise for - your appearance, your intelligence, or your success - and consciously try to suppress this need.

4. Cosmopolites ("cosmopolitanism")

    By comparing ourselves to others, we set ourselves up against them. Friendship and love in such conditions become impossible. Start each day by reminding yourself that all people are equal and promising not to treat people differently based on their status. Behave the same way with your boss and with the barista.

    The cynic is unhappy because he is imprisoned in an unjust world. Cynic is happy - not because he considers the world perfect, but because he is more focused on the inner world, over which he has power.

    There is one famous story that summarizes this way of life.
    Diogenes was famous for not taking sides, and therefore was not held in high esteem by those in power. One day, a philosopher named Aristippus, who enjoyed the favor of the rulers, caught Diogenes washing vegetables, a food despised by the ancient Greeks. Diogenes was not embarrassed, and said to Aristippus: "If you had taught yourself to eat vegetables, you would not have become a slave at the court of a tyrant."
    If you want to become a real cynic and a happy person, train yourself to “eat vegetables”: let others neglect them, but you will find for yourself that they saturate much better than the empty calories of conformism.