Books How to Say No: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Cynicism (Ancient Wisd*m for Modern Readers)  by Diogenes (Author)

"How to Say No: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Cynicism" is a collection of ancient writings about the Cynic philosophers, led by Diogenes, who championed simple living and rejected social conventions and material excess. Diogenes, known for his provocative behavior and disdain for pretension, advocated for living in accordance with nature and rejecting societal norms that promote unnecessary desires.

The book recounts how the Cynics, starting with Diogenes in the fourth century BCE, practiced radical simplicity and freedom from social demands. Diogenes was famous for his bluntness and iconoclastic acts that challenged hypocrisy and superficiality. Later Cynics, like Demonax and the Christian saint Symeon Stylites, exemplified variations of this philosophy, emphasizing joy, modesty, and helping others without making enemies.

The core message is about saying "No" to the distractions and false values of society and embracing hardship as a path to virtue and authenticity. The Cynics’ witty, often shocking, behaviors and sayings serve to provoke reflection on how we live and question cultural assumptions.