041 Philosophers - Antisthenes

Museum Description: Antisthenes

Room: 22/Case: None/Number: GR 1873.8-20.724

Scripture: Psalms 103:9

Antisthenes was a student of Socrates, who had developed a different method of teaching compared to other philosophers of the time.  Rather than give evidence for his own theories, Socrates would listen to the theories of others and expose their flaws.  This bred a critical spirit, and influenced Antisthenes who expanded on the teachings of Socrates.  He believed that virtue was the only good, and the pursuit of pleasure was evil.  This led him and his followers to have contempt for other people.  They would appear miserable and unfriendly, so they became known as the Cynics, meaning 'doglike'.  Even today a cynical attitude is unappealing, and does not reflect the qualities of Jehovah.