The Cynics (, ) were an influential school of ancient philosophers. They rejected the social values of their time, often flouting conventions in shocking ways to prove their point. They challenged their listeners to get in touch with their "natural" animal side.

Origin

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Their name is thought to be derived either from the building in Athens called Cynosarges, the earliest home of the school, or from the Greek word for a dog («κύων»,kýōn), in contemptuous allusion to the uncouth and aggressive manners adopted by the members of the school. Whichever of these explanations is correct, it is noticeable that the Cynics agreed in taking a dog as their common badge or symbol, as early as the tombstone of Diogenes of Sinope. From a popular conception of the intellectual characteristics of the school comes the modern sense of "cynic," implying a sneering disposition to disbelieve in the goodness of human motives and a contemptuous feeling of superiority. Properly speaking though, it is possible to be a (philosophic) cynic without feeling superior.

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I see why cynics on Twitter get sick of the evangelicals/faith spouters & keepers of the Secret on here! I know a few of them & they r MEAN!
bevysmith (bevysmith) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:16:40 -0000
I see why cynics on Twitter get sick of the evangelicals/faith spouters & keepers of the Secret on here! I know a few of them & they r MEAN!
@HollyYM I know exactly what you mean. Oh well.. They have to live their lives be catty cynics so sucks to be them ;)
6inchstilettos (6inchstilettos) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:10:47 -0000
@HollyYM I know exactly what you mean. Oh well.. They have to live their lives be catty cynics so sucks to be them ;)
@jayapradeep yup! And cynics.
gulpanag (Gul Panag) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:40:44 -0000
@jayapradeep yup! And cynics.
RT @StephenRCovey: Nothing converts cynics like success. #quote // Keep on keepin' on :)
trishuhl (Trish Uhl, PMP, CPLP) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:08:00 -0000
RT @StephenRCovey: Nothing converts cynics like success. #quote // Keep on keepin' on :)
RT: @BiteTheDust: I thnk I shall call myself scynical from now on. They are the cynics with eyes! <<< nice - did u take an i from think?
precordialthump (precordialthump) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:02:19 -0000
RT: @BiteTheDust: I thnk I shall call myself scynical from now on. They are the cynics with eyes! <<< nice - did u take an i from think?
@precordialthump I thnk I shall call myself scynical from now on. They are the cynics with eyes!
BiteTheDust (Robbo) Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:59:42 -0000
@precordialthump I thnk I shall call myself scynical from now on. They are the cynics with eyes!

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