Antisthenes (444 BC- 365 BC)

Antisthenes was Greek philosopher and a disciple of Socrates. He was the son of an Athenian citizen, also name Antisthenes; his mother was a Thracian slave. Because both parents were not Athenian citizens, Antisthenes was not entitled to citizenship under a law passed by Pericles in 451 BC and he could not take part in Athenian politics or hold office.

He probably attended the Cynosarges gymnasium, located outside the gates of Athens and reserved for children of illegitimate unions.

Antisthenes, who was influence by Socrates, is considered the founder of Cynicism. Plato records that Antisthenes was one of the close friends of Socrates who attended him during his excretion.

Cynicism characterized by an ostentatious contempt for riches, arts, science and amusement. They are called Cynics because of their morose manners.

Socrates taught that a virtue was the highest good. Antisthenes taught that virtue was the only good and that vice is the only evil.

The essence of virtue is self-control or absolute freedom from all material needs. Thus the Cynics renounce the basic joy of life: pleasure, comfort, family, society and religion.

Antisthenes was among the first to set some sort of permanent school at Athens. Antisthenes established himself in a public building - the Cynosarges gymnasium – an attracted a group of students.
Antisthenes (444 BC- 365 BC)