CYNICISM

The story of Diogenes, Plato and the cup? That’s a fantastic one

Plato was discoursing on his theory of ideas and, pointing to the cups on the table before him, said, "While there are many cups in the world, there is only one 'idea' of a cup, and this cupness precedes the existence of all particular cups."

"I can see the cups on the table," said Diogenes, "but I can't see the 'cupness'". "That's because you have the eyes to see the cup," said Plato, "but", tapping his head with his forefinger, "you don't have the intellect with which to comprehend 'cupness'." Diogenes walked up to the table, examined a cup, and, looking inside, asked, "Is it empty?" Plato nodded. "Where is the 'emptiness' which precedes this empty cup?" asked Diogenes. Plato allowed himself a few moments to collect his thoughts, but Diogenes reached over and, tapping Plato's head with his finger, said "I think you will find here is the 'emptiness'".”

I'm sorry I just had to post this. Like, the start of cynicism was from this guy, and I think he is absolutely amazing. Even if we want to be like him, I don't think our boundaries and the society will let us, and the mere thought of what may happen to us scares us more than taking those decisions itself. Anyways, this was from

The philosophy of cynicism - William D. Desmond.