The Cynics Open Journal: A Journal for Your Thoughts with Thought-Provoking Quotations from the Ancient Greek Cynic Philosophers

Looking for space to think? To “know yourself”—as the ancient Greeks advised? To record your thoughts? Something with inspiration rather than blank pages alone?\nThe Cynics Open Journal presents 110 quotations from the Cynics for reflection and growth. Use the points on each page to contemplate your own life, figure out what you truly desire and want to do, and practice living well—moving every day a little closer toward excellence in your thoughts and emotions, and in what you say and do.\nBut why the Cynics? The ancient Cynics and their philosophy and way of life influenced the Greek and Roman worlds for a thousand years. What did they hope to accomplish? They wished to live a life in accord with nature, a virtuous life, one characterized by self-control, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. They wanted to be free. But theirs wasn’t a life for the wavering or fainthearted. Rather, as they portrayed it, their path was a shortcut to the heights.\nAside from the 110 quotations found on an equal number of lined pages for writing, with an additional 20 lined pages without points, there is a brief introduction to the Cynics and their philosophy, as well as longer selections from the Cynics and a plan of life following their philosophy.\nIt’s a good idea to spend quality time with the Cynics as you consider your own life, getting to know yourself and determining how you might flourish as a human being. But don’t stop with contemplation alone. Get out and put your thoughts into action. It is the doing, the acting, that counts! Best of luck!