cynicism etymology

Etymology

Cynicism is derived from the Greek word kynikos, meaning "dog-like".

Meaning

Cynicism is a philosophical position that involves:

• A belief that people are inherently selfish and motivated by their own interests
• A lack of trust in human goodness and intentions
• A rejection of conventional social and moral values

Origin

Cynicism originated in ancient Greece in the 4th century BCE, associated with the philosopher Diogenes of Sinope. Diogenes and his followers, known as Cynics, believed that the only true way to live was to reject material possessions and social conventions and embrace a life of poverty and simplicity.

They argued that:

• Society's institutions and norms were corrupt and artificial.
• People were driven by selfish desires and unable to achieve true happiness.
• The only path to fulfillment was to live in accordance with nature, free from the constraints of societal expectations.

Cynicism influenced other philosophical schools, including Stoicism and Epicureanism, and continues to be a perspective in modern thought.

cynicism relate terms

• cynic

  Etymology The word cynic comes from the Greek word κυνικός kunikos which me

• humor

  Etymology The word humor derives from the Latin word humor meaning liquid or mois

• humid

  Etymology The word humid comes from the Latin word humidus which means moist or

• academy

  Etymology The word academy comes from the Greek word akademeia which was the name of

• pessimism

  Etymology Pessimism derives from the Latin pessimus meaning worst or most evil I

• lackadaisical

  Etymology From lack a intensive day less without Originally a word for a pe

• defenestration

  Etymology Latin defenestratio from de meaning down or out of and fenestra mea

• waffle

  Etymology The term waffle comes from the Middle Dutch word wafel meaning honeycomb

• pride

  Etymology The word pride comes from the Middle English word pryde which in turn der

• keel

  Etymology The word keel comes from the Middle English word kele which is derived fr

• twilight

  Etymology The word twilight has Old English roots tweon between light light