Cynics

Cynics, the name applied to a school of Greek philosophers, who were distinguished mainly for their morose and snarling ethics, and their ostentatious contempt of the ordinary pleasures of life. The name is due either to Cynosarges, the place where Antisthenes, the founder, taught; or to their dog-like (kynikos) contempt for conventional manners. For their peculiar opinions, see articles ANTISTHENES, DIOGENES, MENIPPUS, &c.