Antikos Kinikų Iššūkis Šiuolaikiniam Pasauliui: Vaistai Chroniškai Civilizacijos Ligai Gydyti
The Challenge of Ancient Cynics to Contemporary World: Remedy for the Chronic Disease of Civilization

Summary/Abstract: This article analyses one of the most important and interesting aspects of ancient Greek cynicism. Namely, the diagnosis of the main disease of ancient Greek civilization – the chase of surplus of pleasures – is investigated. The author of the article also explores radical temperance as the only remedy prescribed for that malignant malady together with askesis – the recipe for production of that remedy. The relevance of such a remedy to the modern form of above mentioned malady is as well analyzed. The article comes to conclusion that radical temperance once proposed by cynics is simply an overbitter and overtough tablet for unduly squeamish stomach of contemporary man. Meanwhile, the milder and softer variant of that tablet could contribute to mitigation of eternal malaise of civilization. That is, not radical but considerably milder form of temperance, which could be entitled the sense of proportion in everything; not ultimate constraint on human needs but just a reduction of consummation, could become contemporary means of prophylaxis. Similarly, askesis of ancient Greek cynics deprived of its radical dimension could become one of possible ways to achieve above mentioned sense of proportion.

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