Introduction

Let us return to the tales of ancient philosophers, as we still have much to learn.First, the time When Hipparchia Bared It All.Hipparchia had suitors, with their wealth and status, a family, with their expectations and demands, and her love for the philosophic life. 1 In particular, she was devoted to the philosophy of the dog, the cynical shortcut to virtue through asksis, frank speech and simple living.These teachings had been embodied by her beloved, the charismatic Crates, who had renounced his property and home and who exposed her to the poverty of his philosophy by taking off his clothes and declaring: 'Here is your bridegroom, here are his possessions, make your choice accordingly; for you will be no fit companion for me if you do not share the same way of life'.Of course, Hipparchia joined the homeless Crates in a public 'dog marriage', as she already knew that true philosophy strips you bare.And so she was unfazed when, after refuting and mocking Theodoros the Atheist, he tried to unclothe her and asked 'Who is this who has abandoned the shuttle and the loom?' Hipparchia, exposing both the stupidity of this question and the integrity of her way of life, responded 'Why, it is I, Theodoros; but do you suppose I have made a bad decision in my regard when, instead of spending further time at the loom, I have devoted it to my education?'Let us train, with Hipparchia, to nakedly embody virtue, despite the obstacles of convention.Next, the time When Socrates Questioned the Pythian Oracle.It is a famous tale, with valuable lessons. 2 No one is wiser than Socrates, the Oracle of Apollo told Chaerephon.Hence Socrates, who recognised that he was not particularly wise, wondered.To test the oracle's statement and to find true wisdom, he entered into discussion with someone purported to be wise, only to discover that this person's apparent wisdom was not real.Undaunted, he sought out someone supposedly wiser still and yet came to the same result.

Criminology · Classical Antiquity Studies · History · Psychology