'many men compete in digging and kicking but no one at all in the pursuit of human excellence.'
Diogenes the Cynic is best remembered today for having lived in a storage-jar, and walking the streets with a lamp in daylight, looking for an honest man. Such stories formed part of a rich tradition of sayings and anecdotes; his biting wit and eccentric behaviour were legendary, and it was by means of these oft-repeated and embellished aphorisms that his moral teachings were transmitted. He scorned the conventions of civilized life, and his ascetic lifestyle and caustic opinions gave expression to the Cynic philosophy that in turn influenced Stoicism.
This unique edition also covers Diogenes' immediate successors, such as Crates, his wife Hipparchia, and the witty moral preacher Bion. The contrasting teachings of the Cyrenaic school, founded by Aristippos, a pleasure-loving friend of Socrates, complete the volume, together with a selection of apocryphal letters. An ideal compendium of Socratic moral philosophy, this entertaining volume opens a window on to some surprisingly modern attitudes.
ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
By:
Diogenes the Cynic Translated by:
Robin Hard Imprint: Oxford University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 196mm,
Width: 127mm,
Spine: 16mm
Weight: 226g ISBN:9780199589241 ISBN 10: 0199589240 Series:Oxford World's Classics Pages: 320 Publication Date:22 May 2012 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
