The Cynic Philosopher, an Actor on the Theater of the World

Abstract

In order to leave aside an unbiased search of knowledge and propose the criteria of a certain kind of life, a philosopher needs to convey his message through an effective and convincing method. Cynic philosophers considered the best manner to show the rejection of a certain way of life and at the same time the belief in a different set of values was to adopt a provocative, insolent, even shameless attitude. Their public performanceforced curiosity among possible disciples, who were eager to learn the reasons of such displays. Actors in the theater of the world, Cynics raised provocation to the grade of philosophical methodology. For instance, Diogenes, who entered the theater through the exit door, was an intellectual rebel envied because of his independence even by powerful people.