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

Great entry in Princeton Press's ongoing series, Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers. The Cynics have always been equal part fascinating and irritating, and this book very clearly shows why. From the antics of Diogenes of Sinope to the bizarre self-deprivation practices of Christian Cynics, there is a......more

I wouldn’t say this was a great introduction to Diogenes because it’s pretty short and often deals with people who weren’t Diogenes but it WAS a pretty interesting read. I wouldn’t BUY it, but if your library has a copy, you should check it out. Diogenes is pretty overlooked as far as philosophy goes......more

This is the second book I’ve read in the “How to” series (the first being How to Die, which I loved) and it’s a bit of a disappointment. I picked this book up because I wanted to read more about Diogenes but the book mostly comprised of a deep dive of Cynicism. Unlike “How to Die,” this book also ha......more

Before we look for man, we must have found the lantern.—Will it have to be the Cynic's lantern? Friedrich Nietzsche, Human, All-Too-Human This book was a fun little flicker of light rather than the lantern Nietzsche envisioned in the modern Diogenes.......more

I had high hopes from this one given all the hype around it. Have to say I'm left disappointed. The book has decent selections from cynic philosophy. It paints the broad picture well highlighting the cynic way of life and their convictions. But it leaves a lot more to be desired.......more