"Dog Philosophy": The Cynic philosopher

Venue: Ellen Meville Centre, Helen Clark room (ground floor lounge).

Today, we think of cynicism as a deep distrust in human motives and actions. Cynicism does not tend to lead to positive change.
However, ancient cynicism was not an attitude; it was a school of philosophy, founded by Diogenes of Sinope (404-323 BC).
Diogenes rejected all social etiquette and social norms, and material wealth and status. People called him "a dog", a title which Diogenes happily accepted as dogs were, in his view, happy and contented animals that demanded little. The modern word "cynic" come from the Greek word for dog "kynikos". Apparently Diogenes met Alexander the Great who offered to grant him whatever he wished, Diogenes just said "please move a little out of my sunlight".
Diogenes can be criticised for extremism, but his legacy is that humans live best when they live closest with nature. We change society by exposing its hypocrisy and dishonest social standards. Diogenes has been rediscovered by philosophers time and time again as offering a way to critique society in order to change it, Protesters and lobbyists are following his examples and for those old enough to remember, the hippies of the 1960s were disciples of Diogenes (without knowing it, but Diogenes would have loved the flowers).
So, what does Diogenes have to teach up today?
Diogenes championed free speech - and exposed hate speech. What is the philosophical basis of our social engagement?
What is the foundation of every state, according to Diogenes? Why?
He insisted he was a "citizen of the world" and not a "citizen of a state". What did he mean?
Watch this video for an introduction to Diogenes;
https://www.ted.com/talks/william_d_desmond_the_philosophy_of_cynicism
See you there! ARE YOU A CYNIC????