Ideal Cynic in Orations of Dio Chrysostom

Abstract

The paper deals with Dio's portrayal of Diogenes as a Cynic who challenges the conventional meaning of the good life. The author wonders whether Dio of Prusa mechanically takes over Diogenes' attitudes or adapts them to the social and political reality of his time. The first part of the paper describes the circumstances that led Dio to become a Cynic. The second part of the paper deals with the possible differences between early Diogenic and later Dionian forms of Cynicism. The third part of the paper analyses various ancient versions of the story of Diogenes' meeting with Alexander, which could lead us to a better understanding of Dio's version. The purpose of the article is to clarify the nature of Dionian Cynicism.

Keywords

• dio chrysostom
• diogenes of sinope
• history of cynicism
• freedom
• self-sufficiency
• philosophy as a way of life