The Shortcut To Happiness: An Introduction To The Cynic School
With Brian Saint-PaulWhat 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.
Unlock ancient wisdom on happiness, simplicity, and fearless living from the philosophy that gave birth to Stoicism.
About this course
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.
Meet your Teacher
Brian Saint-Paul has been teaching philosophy, religion, and spirituality in various formats since 1998. Through his company, DandyMind, he creates audio programs that merge Western philosophy with meditation. He uses lecture, thought experiments, and guided visualizations and meditations to help students not only learn the philosophical concepts, but actually get inside and experience them firsthand. Brian has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies (respectively), with an emphasis in the Western mystical tradition. He believes that if a tool helps you become a more purposeful, happier, and virtuous person, then use it.