How To Say No (an Ancient Guide To The Art Of Cynicism)

By (author) Diogenes; Translated with commentary by Usher, M. D.
Description

An entertaining and enlightening collection of ancient writings about the philosophers who advocated simple living and rejected unthinking conformity

The Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who stood athwart the flood of society’s material excess, unexamined conventions, and even norms of politeness and thundered “No!” Diogenes, the most famous Cynic, wasn’t shy about literally extending his middle finger to the world, expressing mock surprise that “most people go crazy over a finger.” When asked why he was called Diogenes the Dog, he replied “because I fawn on those who give, I bark at those who don’t, and I bite scoundrels.” How to Say No is a delightful collection of brief ancient writings about Cynicism that captures all the outrageousness, wit, and wisdom of its remarkable cast of characters—from Diogenes in the fourth century BCE to the column-stander Symeon Stylites in late antiquity.

With their “less is more” approach to life, the Cynics speak urgently to our world of climate change, economic uncertainty, and psychic malaise. Although the Cynics weren’t writers, their memorable utterances and behavior were recorded by their admirers and detractors, and M. D. Usher offers fresh new translations of appealing selections from this body of writing—ranging from street sermons and repartee to biography and snapshots of Cynics in action.

Complete with introductions to the volume and each selection as well as the original Greek and Latin on facing pages, this lively book demonstrates why the Cynics still retain their power to surprise us and make us laugh—and to make us think and question how we live.

Review quote
"This fascinating, well-translated selection admirably exemplifies the multi-faceted nature of the cynic way of life and is thoroughly recommended."---Peter Jones, Classics For All Reviews
Biographical note
M. D. Usher is the Lyman-Roberts Professor of Classical Languages and Literature and a member of the Department of Geography and Geosciences at the University of Vermont. With his wife, he also built, owns, and operates Works & Days Farm in Shoreham, Vermont. His previous books include How to Be a Farmer: An Ancient Guide to Life on the Land (Princeton), Plato’s Pigs and Other Ruminations, and a number of books for children, including Diogenes.
Endorsement
“The Cynics were the punks of the ancient world, and this is a useful and highly entertaining compendium of their sayings and antics. A must for the bedside.”—Tom Hodgkinson, editor of The Idler

“M. D. Usher’s translations are lively and enjoyable to read. His introductions touch upon an impressive range of ideas and figures, in a contemporary idiom that wears its considerable learning lightly.”—William Desmond, author of Cynics

“With a high degree of scholarship lying behind his lively translations, M. D. Usher has plainly mastered the ancient material.”—John Dillon, author of The Roots of Platonism