The Shortcut To Happiness: An Introduction To The Cynic School

What if the key to happiness wasn’t found in wealth, status, or following the rules of society—but in rejecting them? The ancient Cynics believed that by stripping life down to its essentials, embracing radical honesty, and living in harmony with nature, we could achieve true freedom and fulfilment.

In this 7-day course, The Short Cut to Happiness: An Introduction to the Cynic School, we’ll explore the timeless wisdom of the Cynic philosophers who challenged the world around them and lived with fearless authenticity. You'll hear the stories of Antisthenes, the devoted friend of Socrates who founded the Cynic School in the middle of a dinner party; Diogenes, the ultimate Cynic who faced down both pirates and a living god without flinching; and Crates and Hipparchia, the married philosophers whose love story and partnership defied the strict conventions of Ancient Greece. And you’ll learn how Cynic philosophy gave birth to Stoicism.

Each session, we’ll break down one principle of Cynicism using the helpful acronym V.I.R.T.U.E.—Virtue, Independence from attachments, Resilience, Total authenticity, Unbound by convention, and Empathy for all. You’ll not only learn the history and teachings of the school, but also how to incorporate its wisdom into your daily life. Whether you’re a Stoic looking to deepen your practice, a Christian intrigued by early asceticism, a Buddhist drawn to simplicity, or someone seeking a fresh, practical philosophy—Cynicism has something to offer.

This is a lecture-based course, perfect for listening on the go. And who knows? You may already be a Cynic without realizing it. If you live simply, question society’s illusions, and speak your truth no matter what, it’s time to discover your philosophical home.

Lección 1: It All Began At A Dinner Party…

The Cynic School of philosophy began during a lively Greek dinner party held in honor of a mixed-martial arts champion. Amid the food, wine, and entertainment, a bold conversation took place that would challenge society’s understanding of wealth, happiness, and virtue. In this first session, we’ll uncover how a single statement sparked a radical new way of thinking. We’ll explore what the Cynics really believed—there was nothing “cynical” about them—and how their philosophy offers a shortcut to happiness that is particularly relevant to us today.

Lección 2: Virtue: The Foundation

In this session, we’ll explore why the Cynics saw virtue as the foundation of happiness, how they believed it made you invulnerable to misfortune, and why they rejected wealth and status as false measures of success. We’ll also meet Antisthenes, the founder of the Cynic school, a man who believed virtue was the only true wealth—and who proved it by living a life of radical simplicity, fearless honesty, and total independence.

Lección 3: Independence From Attachments: The Method

In this session, we’ll explore how the Cynics embraced radical minimalism, why they viewed luxury as a dangerous addiction, and how rejecting attachments leads to an unshakable sense of peace. Along the way, we’ll meet Diogenes of Sinope, the most famous Cynic of them all, who had everything taken from him—only to discover that losing it all was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Lección 4: Resilience: Your Power

What if every obstacle in your life was actually an opportunity? In this session, we’ll explore how the Cynics actively sought out challenges, trained themselves to endure discomfort, and freed themselves from reliance on external comforts. We’ll also hear one of the most incredible stories in all of Cynicism: the day Diogenes was captured by pirates, sold into slavery, and still managed to come out on top. If you’ve ever wanted to build mental and physical resilience, the Cynics have some lessons you won’t want to miss.

Lección 5: Total Authenticity: Walking The Talk

In this session, we’ll explore the Cynics’ fearless commitment to truth and integrity and why they believed that authenticity was an essential quality of a meaningful life. We’ll hear how Diogenes fearlessly mocked power, how Crates freed himself from wealth by throwing his fortune into the sea, and how one reluctant student was forced to confront his own embarrassment—only to go on and leave his mark on history. If you’ve ever wanted to live more boldly, speak more honestly, and free yourself from fear of judgment, the Cynics have some lessons you won’t want to miss.

Lección 6: Unbound By Convention: How To Not Give A Fig

What if you lived your life completely free from social expectations? In this session, we’ll explore how the Cynics broke free from society’s constraints and why they believed that real independence requires total indifference to convention. You’ll also meet Hipparchia of Maroneia, a brilliant philosopher who defied every expectation placed upon her as a woman in ancient Greece to become the wife and equal partner of a famous Cynic.

Lección 7: Empathy For All: True Cosmopolitanism

In our final session, we’ll explore the Cynic concept of cosmopolitanism, how they challenged the boundaries that separate people, and why true empathy meant rejecting social illusions to see others as they truly are. We’ll also look at how Cynicism influenced Stoicism, Christianity, and even modern countercultural movements.