The Coinage of Custom
We humans make much ado about custom. But to paraphrase Terence, much of what we believe are matters of morality and treat with a solemnity fit for the halls of justice are supported only by convention and void of objective moral value or duty.[1]
And worse: some customs are morally objectionable despite the acute social pressure to follow them. This point underscores the significance of defacing the coinage of custom, a discipline Diogenes of Sinope and other Cynic philosophers practiced. Even Jesus of Nazareth engaged in such disapprobation with respect to the religious formalities of his culture and the tartuffian tyrants who used them as means of oppression.[2]
A caution is in order: not all customs are undesirable and thus worthy of reproach. Indeed, Cynic philosophical activity possesses distinctive customs the coinage of which the Cynics presumably did not seek to deface.
In short: the intelligent and careful defacement of those customs that preclude or distract from the virtuous life is a wise addition to one’s modus vivendi. But as I note here, it’s a lonely and arduous practice. Don’t forget your walking stick!
* Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash
[1] See Terence’s famous line from Heauton Timorumenos (The Self-Tormentor), Act IV, scene 7, line 11, written approximately 163 B. C. and available here.
[2] Some scholars have asserted that Jesus was familiar with Greek culture and philosophy, given that both Alexandria and the area of Galilee were quite Hellenized during his time. Jesus probably spoke Greek in addition to Aramaic, Hebrew (which he likely also read), and perhaps Latin. These scholars have underscored similarities between Jesus and the Cynics. I am not claiming that Jesus was a Cynic philosopher, but merely highlighting this similarity.