Cynicism is a philosophical point of view that questions social mores and places virtue far above all else, discounting the need for materialistic possession. In literature, Cynicism first appeared in ancient Greece, with the authors claiming to be followers of Socrates. However, critics and scholars note that Cynics pushed Socrates' values to the extreme by renouncing all material possessions and following a code of conduct that relies purely on reason. Cynicism touts living in accordance with nature and promotes the concept of self-sufficiency, relying on no other.
Cynicism was short-lived in history and literature between 444 and 323 B.C., although some of the themes still resonate in modern-day work. Due to the unconventional methods of living and impractical nature of the underlying values and beliefs that the Cynics had to live by, Cynicism disappeared as Stoicism began to appear in literary works. A mild resurgence took place in Rome in the first and second centuries A.D., but did not last.
While no literary works of the Cynics remain in print, biographies of the most famous and important Cynics give acknowledgement to their existence and writings. The first known Cynics, both students of Socrates, were Diogenes and Antisthenes. Crates, a student of Diogenes, and his wife, the first female Cynic, were also noted authors of this literary theme and practiced the values they espoused.
While most authors do not practice or write about the same values as early literary Cynics, some do verbalize discontent with society and materialistic possessions. Mark Twain is probably the most well recognized author who is said to have practiced some of the values of Cynicism; however, his literary works lean more towards Romanticism than Cynicism. The primary theme of discontent with society resonates in some of the literary classics of Voltaire and Leo Tolstoy. However, Cynicism as a total and common theme did not last in literature.