Welcome!

“I assign myself to those who want to live as easily and pleasantly as possible.” - Aristippus

Welcome to the New Cyrenaic blog. This will be a place to holistically explore Cyrenaic philosophy, its relationship with other philosophical perspectives, and its concrete application in day-to-day life, updated for a modern context. Philosophical concerns, empirical knowledge, and social organisation have all evolved significantly since the Cyrenaics were active in Ancient Greece around 400 B.C., and although the core material is timeless, our contemporary context calls for a fresh re-evaluation beyond the scope of Aristippus and his successors. 

I will be forwarding a perspective which is dynamic and adaptive, following the example of Aristippus himself in both word and deed, allowing significant latitude and scope for the hedonistic concerns of a modern Cyrenaic, while remaining true to the core values of the orthodox creed. I will also explore the representations of later Cyrenaics, such as Theodorus and Anniceris, who offer additional illustrative value, though to a lesser extent in terms of representing the fundamental principles of Cyrenaic philosophy, because, to varying degrees, these later innovators (especially Hegesias) move away from the individualistic, relativistic hedonism at the core of Aristippus’ philosophy. Instead, I will be taking the founder himself as a paramount exemplary case, and I will elaborate upon the scant material remaining in order to synthesize general principles of action with which to inform our own lives.

I hope that this blog becomes a valuable repository for information related to the Cyrenaics and adjacent or consonant philosophical schools, alongside promoting a pragmatic and concrete application of these valuable insights to everyday concerns. Join me on a quest for a happy, pleasurable, and relaxed existence, which is our birthright as human beings, one that must be freely chosen in order to become achievable here and now.