Literary notes about Cynic (AI summary)
The term "cynic" in literature is a flexible label that straddles the line between a philosophical designation and a broader social epithet. In some writings it specifically alludes to the ancient school of Cynicism, evoking figures like Diogenes or Crates and their austere, ascetic lifestyles ([1], [2], [3]), while in other contexts it is employed to denote a skeptical or misanthropic attitude towards societal norms ([4], [5], [6]). Authors have used the word to both characterize individuals with profound philosophical insights and to cast a disparaging light on those whose relentless criticism and sardonic humor border on bitterness ([7], [8], [9]). This versatility enriches its use in narrative and poetic discourse, making "cynic" a term that carries both historical weight and contemporary resonance ([10], [11], [12]).
- A pupil of Socrates and founder of the Cynic sect.
— from The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2 by Emperor of Rome Julian - He went to Athens and became a philosopher of the Cynic school, which see, as a disciple of Antisthenes.
— from The Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 04 by of Samosata Lucian - Murdered 353 B.C. Diogenes, the Cynic, born about 412 B.C., renowned for his rudeness and hardihood.
— from Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius - Still, it's hard to be made a cynic at twenty.”
— from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald - "Everybody is selfish," returned the young cynic.
— from Trading by Susan Warner - He said, smiling: "You're a dreadful little cynic!"
— from Tatterdemalion by John Galsworthy - " "Ah! what a cynic you are!" cried the old lady, pushing back her chair and nodding to Lady Ruxton.
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - The scholar, without good breeding, is a pedant; the philosopher, a cynic; the soldier, a brute; and every man disagreeable.”
— from The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness by Cecil B. Hartley - The objections to this saying of Monimus the Cynic are obvious.
— from The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius - And now let us consider the Cynic philosophy.)
— from The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2 by Emperor of Rome Julian - [person who doubts] doubter, skeptic, cynic.; unbeliever &c. 487.
— from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget - unbeliever, skeptic, cynic; misbeliever.1, pyrrhonist; heretic &c. (heterodox) 984.
— from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget