Published : 2025-08-27

The Persuasiveness of Cynics’ Unusual Behavior

Dominika Budzanowska-Weglenda

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9030-9583

Abstract

Ancient philosophers typically sought to discover genuine values. Greek thinkers aimed to actualize these values in both their intellectual and moral lives, frequently in paradoxical and unconventional ways. This is particularly evident in the case of the Cynics, who considered virtue to be the highest value, attainable only by living in accordance with nature. Consequently, they almost completely abandoned social conventions, as exemplified by the life of Diogenes of Sinope, a disciple of Antisthenes. Diogenes Laertius left behind numerous anecdotes about Diogenes that remain well-known today, demonstrating his considerable power of persuasion, primarily in non-verbal forms. Body language, gestures, facial expressions, touch, gaze, posture, physical distance, appearance (including attire), the organization of the meeting space, objects and voice characteristics are all crucial aspects of communication. During the process of communication, particularly when aimed at persuasion, non-verbal elements often constitute the most significant part of the action (actio) of an individual who wishes to convey something important to others.

Keywords:

Cynics, Diogenes, persuasion, non-verbal persuasion, atopic behavior



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Budzanowska-Weglenda, D. (2025). The Persuasiveness of Cynics’ Unusual Behavior. Facta Simonidis, online first. https://doi.org/10.56583/fs.2810

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Akademia Zamojska
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fax 84 638 35 00
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