h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

O Great Cynic and Muse of Philosophy, could you spread your wisdom to a mere mortal on the philosophy of the Ancient Greek Cynics like Diogenes, their beliefs and way of life?

It would mean so much to me to hear your expert views


Hullabaloo

And what would the poor mortal ask of the Muse,
In such a sarcastic tone?

Wouldst thou care for jewels of poetry that fell from Diogenes lips,
Carelessly, as nectar that falls from flowers to the lowly bee?

Or wouldst thou actually care to hear what one might see on a hot Summers day in Athens?
As Perciles walks joyously past the Acropolis,
Among the laughing mortals
Who ask the Muses guidance in even their speech?
They who would sacrifice greatly
To hear the wisdom of Pallas Athena,
Or the judgments of almighty Zeus?

Whouldst though care to hear of such things?
I fell that the mortal would not.
Think carefully before thou speaks.

Measure each word,
And forget not the power of the Gods.

Peace

What a fantastic answer! Wisdom certainly has its fiery side!

Athena - there was no sarcasm at all in my posting - that's why I peppered it with smileys. I thought it would be fun linking 'Cynic' - Cynicism was a distinct philosophy in Greece - with 'Muse of Philosophy'. (The dogicons were there because the Cynics with their contempt for conventional social values and lives of ease and comfort were said to 'live like dogs', e.g. Diogenes lived in a barrel. Cynic comes from the Greek for 'dog', (which I won't try to transliterate).

I was just wanting you to join in a bit of fun. Sorry if I upset you.

Peace and good wishes,


Hullabaloo

Oh! I am fine. I was just going along with it all. I didn't catch the dog bit, but I had thought of the rest! Actually I didn't realize the Greek conections until after I was a cynic and muse. Then I had a good laugh realizing that I was now a cynic and a muse, and that I had tacked the titles onto my real name, Athena! Hee hee. I kinda like it though.

Also I was just playing with my answer. I am sure a man living in a barrel couldn't get close to nectar. I always think how bloody uncomfortable that must have been... I would have hated to be him. I wonder why cynic comes from the greek for dog? Does it have to do with barrels? I think I am missing something here...

Nice smilie, haven't seen that one before!

Peace.

Hi Athena,

Really pleased I hadn't upset you. Still a magnificent and fiery answer in the first posting though! Put the fear of Olympus in me!

Yeah, it's really goodthat you're a goddess and a Cynic and a Muse, all at the same time! Have some more cake and chocolate?

The Greeks called them Cynics because, abjuring all luxury and even every comfort, (never even washing), they were living no better than dogs - and the Cynics took this on like a term of approbation. Like Black people being called blacks and taking it on as a sign of Pride

Do you know the story about Diogenes? Hearing of D's wisdom, no less a figure than the mighty Alexander the Great payed him a visit, (D. stayed in his barrel), and then asked him if he could do anything for him - this was the ruler of the known world! Diogenes said 'yes, get out of my light', (Alexander was standing between D and the sun).

Anyway, Hail to the goddess (nice RL name), the cynic and the muse!

Hullabaloo, Poet and Tragedian ( hence )

Thanking ye kindly sir Hullabaloo!

I have always liked that story about Alexander and Diogenes. I wish I was that quick with comebacks! Ohhhhh... That makes sense! The words we take from Greek and put new meanings on are always so fascinating. Like the Greek word we get character from means 'mask'. You can learn a lot about English, and humans, from studying Greek. Fascinating stuff really. Then agian, I love languages to start with. History to. If I had a time machine I would go back to ancient greece, when they actually spoke to the gods... It would be worth it to steal one. The worst thing that could happen would be that you would be killed trying to get it, and there is always the possiblity of success! I think I would have to stop over in the medival renaissance times also.

Sorry for rambling! Hee hee.

-Athena