The Cynic Philosopher Who Saw Through the Illusions of Power – And Why It Matters Now
The Cynic Philosopher Who Saw Through the Illusions of Power – And Why It Matters Now
The story goes that the shabbily dressed, barefoot old man, Diogenes of Sinope sometimes called Diogenes the Cynic, was lounging outside in the morning sun. The young conqueror Alexander the Great, elated to meet the famous thinker, asked what favor he, the leader of the known world, could do for the esteemed philosopher.
Diogenes shifted a bit and looked Alexander up and down. After this uncomfortably long pause, he adjusted his tattered cloak, and said, “Stand out from the sun. You are blocking the light.”
Diogenes was not impressed by power. He appreciated simple pleasures. It is his spirit of openly poking at sacred cows, flouting society rules, and welcoming hardship that inspires this substack.
While I don’t condone a number of Diogenes’ behaviors, and by some reports he hated women, his philosophy and the cynics and stoics that followed him bring up some valid points, and provide insight into the cultural struggles we face today. His history is also a great place to start appreciating the good of the past while having humility and grace to accept the flaws.
It’s worth exploring this philosophy because we can use some of that insight right now.
I believe the Western World is going through a long dark night of the soul. There is a crisis of meaning underlying our current culture war as we collectively grapple with a loss of faith in traditional religion and a growing realization that we may not have the autonomy we like to think we have.
Through this gap, a tragic nihilism in the form of an incoherent DEI, social justice, and critical theories agenda has rushed in and fostered a sense of collective self-hate that has seen statues and artwork of our revered past defaced, destroyed, and toppled.
It’s hard not to think of the parallels with the Taliban destroying the ancient Buddhas. This ideology teaches people to view the world in black and white, ignoring the subtle distinctions that leave room for grace and forgiveness.
Much like the struggle of the individual who must come to grips with their past in therapy, we of the West must find a way forward that does not see us crumbling to despair. We must find ways to appreciate the nuance in the actions of our ancestors while confronting those today who strike out at us in fear, anger, and a desire to dominate. We must do so with as much compassion as we can muster.
That is a path toward reconciliation and peace, a light in the darkness.
With all that in mind, I’m making some changes around here, mostly on my end. I started this substack in the cyclone of misery that followed my meeting with the culture war in the University of Tennessee’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program.
At the time I wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted to go with this endeavor, I just knew that I needed to share my story so that others didn’t suffer what I went through.
In the last several months, writing here and at Minding the Campus, I’ve discovered that ideological problems go well beyond my local university. This has inspired me to dig deep and reach for a new goal. I may not become a mental health counselor, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight the self-destructive ideology that has corrupted psychology and much of academia.
To that end, I’m committing to posting twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, with the occasional Wednesday surprise post. Friday’s posts are going to be uplifting. Whether it is a practice that can help manage the uncertainty and tension of conflicting with a vocal chunk of society, a book review, movie analysis, artwork, something funny (I can be funny), or a tale of adventure from my dog Poppet, it will be something that will help others meet the struggle of being kind in the face of adversity and even cruelty.
Our ancestors did this. We can too.
Mondays and Wednesdays will be for research-driven fare. Following where that leads, I want to explore issues that reflect the tension between the individual and society.
As I get my feet under me, I will create a place for paid subscriptions. Much as I wish I could do all of this for free, I can not do the kind of detailed research necessary to provide trustworthy information without your support.
If you are not in a position to support me right now, don’t worry! I will keep the option of a free subscription open. Also, it is going to be a minute before I get that started. I want to confirm that this is a routine that will work with my other commitments, and … uh… I also need to figure out how to manage that part of substack correctly.
Suffice it to say, stay tuned!
And enjoy this picture of my doggo Poppet. This is her ‘why are we stopping’ face. Her Buddhist practice needs a little work.
Please share your thoughts in the comments, and like and subscribe if you enjoyed this post.
About
Diogenes in Exile began after I returned to grad school to pursue a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Tennessee. What I encountered, however, was a program deeply entrenched in Critical Theories ideology. During my time there, I experienced significant resistance, particularly for my Buddhist practice, which was labeled as invalidating to other identities. After careful reflection, I chose to leave the program, believing the curriculum being taught would ultimately harm clients and lead to unethical practices in the field.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to investigating, writing, and speaking out about the troubling direction of psychology, higher education, and other institutions that seem to have lost their way. When I’m not working on these issues, you’ll find me in the garden, creating art, walking my dog, or guiding my kids toward adulthood.
You can also find my work at Minding the Campus
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