:: COMPARE ::
The short answer
Same word, near-inverted content. The ancient Cynic acted on the belief that virtue is achievable and that society's values are the obstacle. The modern cynic acts on the belief that virtue is a pose. One gave away everything to live honestly; the other assumes honesty isn't available.
Side by side
| Aspect | Classical Cynicism | Modern cynicism |
|---|---|---|
| Believes virtue is | Achievable | A pose |
| Requires | Poverty and training | Nothing |
| Is a | Practice | Disposition |
| Toward society | Defiant | Resigned |
What each one means
Classical Cynicism was an ancient Greek way of life that stripped away money, status and social convention in order to live according to nature — almost the opposite of what the word means now.
Full definition of Cynicism (the ancient school) →The contrast above sets out how Modern cynicism differs from Cynicism (the ancient school) on the points that actually matter.