What is the relationship of Socrates to Cynicism and Stoicism?
Another influence on the origins of Stoicism was Cynicism, a philosophic “school” in the loosest sense. Founded by Antisthenes (c.455-360 B.C.E.), who formed a school called the Cynosarges (The Silver Dog), the Cynics revolted against the rules and rigidity of Plato and Aristotle (while admiring Socrates’ disdain for fashion).The Cynics believed that the very essence of civilization is corrupt, and so lived austere, unconventional lives. They distrusted luxury as a “hook” that always brought complications and frustration into people’s lives. What happiness there is could only come from self-discipline and rational control of all desires and appetites, with minimal contact with conventional society.