Cynicism Quote by Pierre Hadot
![“All Hellenistic schools seem to define [wisdom] in approximately the same terms: first and foremost, as a state of perfect peace of mind. From this viewpoint, philosophy appears as a remedy for human worries, anguish, and misery brought about, for the Cynics, by social constraints and conventions…” quote by Pierre Hadot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/pierre-hadot-39367_cynicism_all-hellenistic-schools-seem-to-define-w_498386.jpg)
““All Hellenistic schools seem to define [wisdom] in approximately the same terms: first and foremost, as a state of perfect peace of mind. From this viewpoint, philosophy appears as a remedy for human worries, anguish, and misery brought about, for the Cynics, by social constraints and conventions; for the Epicureans, by the quest for false pleasures; for the Stoics, by the pursuit of pleasure and egoistic self-interest; and for the Skeptics, by false opinions. Whether or not they laid claim to the Socratic heritage, all Hellenistic philosophers agreed with Socrates that human beings are plunged in misery, anguish, and evil because they exist in ignorance. Evil is to be found not within things, but in the value judgments with people bring to bear upon things. People can therefore be cured of their ills only if they are persuaded to change their value judgments, and in this sense all these philosophies wanted to be therapeutic.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Philosophy as a Way of Life by Pierre Hadot, 1995
Hellenistic schools view wisdom as inner peace, treating philosophy as therapy for distress caused by false judgments and social constraints.
In simple terms: Philosophy aims to calm the mind by reshaping values.
Key Takeaway
Change your judgments to heal.
Themes
philosophy
therapy
wisdom
peace
human nature
Mood
reflective
calm
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
therapeutic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- ethical decision making
- stress management
- education
- counseling
Key Concepts
Hellenistic thought
value judgment
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your values shape your suffering?
- Can philosophy replace practical action?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook structural causes of suffering beyond personal belief.
![“As you say of yourself, I too am an Epicurean . I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece and Rome have left us. [ Letter to William Short, 31 October 1819 ]” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af0/thomas-jefferson-43_epicurean_as-you-say-of-yourself-i-too-am-an-epicu_1448972.jpg)
