How to Say No

An Ancient Guide to the Art of Cynicism

Diogenes, M. D. Usher

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Hardback

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English

Princeton University Press
01 March 2023

Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500; Ethics & moral philosophy; Self-help & personal development; Self-sufficiency; Ancient Greek

Series: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers

An entertaining and enlightening collection of ancient writings about the philosophers who advocated simple living and rejected unthinking conformity.

The Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who stood athwart the flood of society's material excess, unexamined conventions, and even norms of politeness and thundered 'No!' Diogenes, the most famous Cynic, wasn't shy about literally extending his middle finger to the world, expressing mock surprise that 'most people go crazy over a finger.' When asked why he was called Diogenes the Dog, he replied 'because I fawn on those who give, I bark at those who don't, and I bite scoundrels.' How to Say No is a delightful collection of brief ancient writings about Cynicism that captures all the outrageousness, wit, and wisdom of its remarkable cast of characters - from Diogenes in the fourth century BCE to the column-stander Symeon Stylites in late antiquity.

With their 'less is more' approach to life, the Cynics speak urgently to our world of climate change, economic uncertainty, and psychic malaise. Although the Cynics weren't writers, their memorable utterances and behaviour were recorded by their admirers and detractors, and M. D. Usher offers fresh new translations of appealing selections from this body of writing - ranging from street sermons and repartee to biography and snapshots of Cynics in action.

Complete with introductions to the volume and each selection as well as the original Greek and Latin on facing pages, this lively book demonstrates why the Cynics still retain their power to surprise us and make us laugh - and to make us think and question how we live.

By: Diogenes
Translated with commentary by: M. D. Usher
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 171mm, Width: 114mm,
ISBN: 9780691229850
ISBN 10: 0691229856
Series: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers
Pages: 248
Publication Date: 01 March 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

M. D. Usher is the Lyman-Roberts Professor of Classical Languages and Literature and a member of the Department of Geography and Geosciences at the University of Vermont. With his wife, he also built, owns, and operates Works & Days Farm in Shoreham, Vermont. His previous books include How to Be a Farmer: An Ancient Guide to Life on the Land (Princeton), Plato's Pigs and Other Ruminations, and a number of books for children, including Diogenes.

Reviews for How to Say No: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Cynicism

This fascinating, well-translated selection admirably exemplifies the multi-faceted nature of the cynic way of life and is thoroughly recommended. ---Peter Jones, Classics For All Reviews The Cynics, observes Usher, 'were not scholars or writers.' Like Jesus, Socrates or Buddha, they were 'oralists whose memorable utterances and actions were transmitted to posterity by admirers (and detractors).' And it's precisely this that explains their endurance, both during and beyond their lifetime... the vivid anecdotes in which they appear have kept them not just alive, but in excellent philosophical shape. ---Costica Bradatan, Times Literary Supplement