What can Diogenes teach us about the roots of Stoicism? In today’s episode, Ryan and classicist Inger Kuin break down the real gap between Stoicism and Cynicism, discussing why one trusted order and structure while the other thought most of society was nonsense. They get into Diogenes’ legendary stunts, the Stoics’ attempt to distance themselves from him, and why the world still needs people who question absolutely everything.

Inger Kuin is a researcher, writer, and teacher focused on the intellectual history of ancient Greece and Rome. She is Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Virginia. Originally from The Netherlands, she publishes both in English and in Dutch.

Check out Inger’s website: https://ingerkuin.com/

Be sure to pick up a copy of Inger’s new book Diogenes: The Rebellious Life and Revolutionary Philosophy of the Original Cynic.

📚 Books that Ryan recommended to Inger:

Tales of Soldiers and Civilians: and Other Stories by Ambrose Bierce

Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot by James Stockdale

Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman

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The REAL Difference Between Stoics and Cynics | Cynicism Expert Inger Kuin (PT. 2)

The Daily Stoic