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The Greek Praise Of Poverty: Origins Of Ancient Cynicism

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The Greek Praise Of Poverty: Origins Of Ancient Cynicism challenges common evaluations of the ancient Cynics of Greece in the fifth and fourth centuries B.C., presenting them not as cultural outcasts or marginal voices, but rather a profound movement with lasting roots entwined in what author William D. Desmond (lecturer, Dept. of Classics at Trinity College, Dublin) calls "the Greek praise of poverty." Describing at length classical attitudes that esteemed virtues thought to be inspired by poverty, such as industry, honesty, frugality, and temperance, and condemned flaws associated with wealth, such as idleness, injustice, arrogance, The Greek Praise Of Poverty casts new light on ancient perspectives. An excellent, in-depth, college-level academic study of classical views, reasoning, and thought processes, and their impact on culture from ancient times to the modern day.