Cynicism (philosophy) Puns

The classical Greek and Roman Cynics regarded virtue as the only necessity for happiness, and saw virtue as entirely sufficient for attaining it. Classical Cynics followed this philosophy to the extent of neglecting everything not furthering their perfection of virtue and attainment of happiness, thus, the title of Cynic, derived from the Greek word κύων (meaning "dog") because they allegedly neglected society, hygiene, family, money, etc., in a manner reminiscent of dogs. They sought to free themselves from conventions; become self-sufficient; and live only in accordance with nature. They rejected any conventional notions of happiness involving money, power, and fame, to lead entirely virtuous, and thus happy, lives.[21]

The ancient Cynics rejected conventional social values, and would criticise the types of behaviours, such as greed, which they viewed as causing suffering. Emphasis on this aspect of their teachings led, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries,[22] to the modern understanding of cynicism as "an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others."[23] This modern definition of cynicism is in marked contrast to the ancient philosophy, which emphasized "virtue and moral freedom in liberation from desire."[24]

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism_(philosophy)

“Cynicism is one of the most striking of all the Hellenistic philosophies. It claimed to offer people the possibility of happiness and freedom from suffering in an age of uncertainty. Although there was never an official Cynic doctrine, the fundamental principles of Cynicism can be summarized as follows:

-The goal of life is eudaimonia and mental clarity or lucidity (ἁτυφια)—literally "freedom from smoke (τύφος)" which signified false belief, mindlessness, folly, and conceit.

-Eudaimonia is achieved by living in accord with Nature as understood by human reason.

-Arrogance (τύφος) is caused by false judgments of value, which cause negative emotions, unnatural desires, and a vicious character.

-Eudaimonia, or human flourishing, depends on self-sufficiency (αὐτάρκεια), equanimity, arete, love of humanity, parrhesia, and indifference to the vicissitudes of life (adiaphora ἁδιαφορία).

-One progresses towards flourishing and clarity through ascetic practices (ἄσκησις) which help one become free from influences such as wealth, fame, and power that have no value in Nature. Instead they promoted living a life of ponos. For the Cynics, this did not seem to mean actual physical work. Diogenes of Sinope, for example, lived by begging, not by doing manual labor. Rather, it means deliberately choosing a hard life—for instance, wearing only a thin cloak and going barefoot in winter.

-A Cynic practices shamelessness or impudence (Αναιδεια) and defaces the nomos of society: the laws, customs, and social conventions that people take for granted.

Thus a Cynic has no property and rejects all conventional values of money, fame, power and reputation. A life lived according to nature requires only the bare necessities required for existence, and one can become free by unshackling oneself from any needs which are the result of convention.”

Wikipedia

Something like "A Guide to a Good life" By William Irvine, is there any good introduction to the ethnic philosophy of Cynicism or Diogenes?

Looking to understand cynicism in a political context.

Thanks!

I know Epictetus was a former slave, but he had the unusual situation of being given access to Stoic lectures by his master, and was educated to a very unusual degree

I'm curious to know if we have much evidence beyond him for lower class people of average means and education embracing any of the major philosophical systems that were so popular with the elites at this time.

Many personal life philosophies can not be categorized. I kinda identify with all three of these in that:

Optimistic Nihilism: "Optimistic nihilism gives you the liberty to choose what you want to do with your life without the superficial boundaries of fundamental purpose." Basically the belief in that there is no inherent value in our life or meaning with the universe, but that nihilism is not a negative but a positive in that you can subjectively create your own meaning and enjoy life regardless (no need for religion, believing in a God or any external value systems).

But I also consider myself a cynic as the above coupled with plainness of living which is a core tenant in cynicism is something I hold in high regard. Also stoicism because: reason and logic should always rule over emotion. And that enduring the hardships of life and reflecting on the pain of it grants wisdom and perseverance.

Is optimistic nihilism, stoicism and cynicism unifiable if one considers these categories true to their original definitions? I'm just curious if the core tenants of these 3 fundamental life philosophies on some points do contradict eachother?

The reason I'm asking is because I never studied philosophy and I'm curious if I hold some values that are hypocritical and conflicting in nature. So I can re-evaluate my beliefs truer to what I actually believe in. So it's not as much that I want to be accurately put into categories here, more that I consider these categories all relevant to what I believe in and If there are conflicts in these belief systems so I can address them individually on a micro level and readjust them to be honest with myself.