The Cynic Approach to Telos: Living Free from Material Possessions
- Release for Public view 2023/08/18
- From Zero to Hero: Part of the Introduction
- Vision to “Telos” – Greek Philosophy
The Cynics were a school of ancient Greek philosophy that believed that the goal of life is to achieve happiness by living a simple life, free from material possessions.
The Cynics believed that material possessions are a distraction from the true purpose of life, which is to live in accordance with nature. They believed that we should live a life of virtue and simplicity and that we should not be concerned with wealth, fame, or power.
The Cynics were known for their unconventional lifestyles. They often lived in poverty and wore simple clothes. They also spoke their minds freely, even if it meant offending others.
The Cynic Approach to Telos
The Cynics believed that the telos, or purpose, of human life is to achieve happiness. They believed that happiness is found in living a simple life, free from material possessions and free from the constraints of society.
The Cynics believed that material possessions are a distraction from the true purpose of life. They believed that we should focus on living a life of virtue and simplicity and that we should not be concerned with wealth, fame, or power.
The Cynics and Material Possessions
The Cynics believed that material possessions are a burden. They believed that they take up our time, our energy, and our focus. They also believed that they can lead to greed, envy, and other negative emotions.
The Cynics advocated for living a life of poverty. They believed that this was the only way to be truly free. They also believed that it was the only way to be truly happy.
Real-life applications of Cynicism
The philosophy of Cynicism can be applied to many different areas of our lives. Here are a few examples:
- Career: When choosing a career, we can ask ourselves whether it will allow us to live a simple life. If our career requires us to have a lot of material possessions, it may not be the right choice for us.
- Relationships: When choosing our relationships, we can ask ourselves whether they are compatible with our Cynic philosophy. If our relationships require us to have a lot of material possessions, they may not be the right choice for us.
- Personal development: When we are trying to change our habits or improve ourselves, we can ask ourselves whether it will help us to live a simpler life. If it is not going to help us to live a simpler life, it is not worth doing.
- Spiritual life: When we are facing challenges in our spiritual life, we can remind ourselves that material possessions are not important. We can also focus on the things that give us peace and happiness, such as our relationships with others or our connection to nature.
How to live a Cynic life
Living a Cynic life is not always easy. However, it can be a very rewarding way to live. By following the principles of Cynicism, we can find happiness and freedom in the midst of life’s challenges.
Here are some tips for living a Cynic life:
- Get rid of your material possessions: This may seem like a daunting task, but it is an important step in living a Cynic life. Start by getting rid of the things you don’t need or use.
- Live simply: This means living a life that is free from unnecessary complications. It means focusing on the things that are important to you and letting go of the things that are not.
- Be independent: This means not relying on others for your happiness or fulfilment. It means being able to take care of yourself and meet your own needs.
- Be honest: This means speaking your truth, even if it means offending others. It means being true to yourself and not living a lie.
- Be free: This means being free from the constraints of society and the expectations of others. It means living a life that is true to you.
Conclusion
Cynic philosophy is a challenging but rewarding way to live. By following the principles of Cynicism, we can find happiness and freedom in the midst of life’s challenges.
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand the Cynic Approach to Telos. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to read the works of the Cynics themselves. They have much to teach us about how to live a simple and happy life.
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With Love, Gratitude & Grace,
- Yvonne E. Venter-Louw
- YEVL (Pty) Ltd. Director & Principal
- Researcher, Advisor, Educator, Coach, Mentor and Speaker
- Thesis: The Psychological Impact and Rehabilitation of Past Experiences on Daily Driven Financial Decisions
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