#Diogenes of sinope painting free

So it appears that even way back then, dogs were recognized by some important thinkers as role models for how society should be, and I’m down with that. Unlike human beings who either dupe others or are duped, dogs will give an honest bark at the truth.” In addition to these virtues, dogs are thought to know instinctively who is friend and who is foe. Dogs live in the present without anxiety, and have no use for the pretensions of abstract philosophy. Besides performing natural bodily functions in public with ease, a dog will eat anything, and make no fuss about where to sleep. From Wikipedia: “Diogenes believed human beings live artificially and hypocritically and would do well to study the dog. They rejected any conventional notions of happiness involving money, power, or fame, in the pursuit of virtuous, and thus happy, lives. In rejecting conventional social values, they would criticise the types of behaviours, such as greed, which they viewed as causing suffering.” And there were other things they stood for, like cosmopolitanism, freedom of speech, a woman’s right to choose her mate, constitutional law, and-as the name indicates-emulating the simple behaviors of dogs. By the 19th century, however, emphasis shifted to the negative aspects of the philosophy, leading to the modern understanding of cynicism to mean “a disposition of disbelief in the sincerity or goodness of human motives and actions.” Boo.Īnd what is the connection with dogs? Well, the term “cynic” derives from the Greek word kynikos which means “dog-like”.

#Diogenes of sinope painting free

They sought to free themselves from conventions become self-sufficient and live only in accordance with nature. According to The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “classical Cynics regarded virtue as the only necessity for happiness. Like a lot of things, the meaning of the word “cynic” has evolved to be something negative in our modern world. Now hold on, before we go any further, just because Diogenes was a Cynic, don’t start thinking of him as the original “Debbie Downer”. After that, Alexander declared “If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes”, to which Diogenes replied “If I were not Diogenes, I should also wish to be Diogenes.” Well, okay then! When he met Alexander the Great, who was thrilled to meet the famous philosopher, and was asked if there was anything he could do for him, Diogenes replied “Yes, stand out of my sunlight.” Nice.

He was known for stunts like carrying a lamp around in the daytime, claiming to be looking for an honest man. He was the kind of guy you’d meet and probably think to yourself “What a jerk!” and then realize, well, he’s got a good point.

A rebel, he turned his back on his banker father and chose to separate himself from regular society by living in a jar in the middle of town and hanging out with dogs. And I’m not just talking about a caveman with a dog for protection and survival, but the ways that they’ve helped to shape our thinking and philosophy…ĭiogenes of Sinope was a Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynic philosophy. It seems that at every turn, there’s something about a dog’s role in our evolution. Our work being used by educational institutions, businesses, organizations, media companies and individuals.I don’t know about you, but I find it to be so incredibly fascinating how dogs are woven into human history. You may be interested in post cards from classic old master paintings. Fine Art reproductions are ideal for canvas printing, acrylic printing or metal printing. All my images are digitally manipulated for maximum clarity and resolution. Our passion is turning classic masterpieces and fine art in to realistic images. I am a Graphic Designer, Digital Artist and Photographer. Decorate your home with Old Master Fine Art Prints. Own a piece of History with this digitally restored and enhanced fine art paintings from The Celestial Images. We are specialized in Digitally Restored and Enhanced Old Paintings, Antique Maps, Vintage Travel Posters, Photos and Postcards reproductions, Digital Art and Mixed Media Artwork. Here you can purchase high-quality fine art prints of works by world famous artists such as Klimt, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, Vermeer, Japanese Art and many more. The Celestial Images is featuring thousands of iconic fine art images from leading museums, picture libraries and private art collections. We offer the very finest masterpiece reproductions that are excellent gifts for all occasions. All of our images have been carefully restored to ensure a high quality fine art printing. Artist Statement The Celestial Images Design and Reproductions brings together a wide variety of fine art images from the masters, antique maps from the 11th through the early 20th centuries.