CYRENIANS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Cyrenians" refers to a specific ancient Greek community known as the Cyrenaics. They were a philosophical school that emerged in the 4th century BCE in the city of Cyrene, which was located in present-day Libya. The Cyrenaics were followers of the influential philosopher Aristippus, who was a disciple of Socrates.
The Cyrenaics were characterized by their hedonistic perspective, defining pleasure as the ultimate goal in life. They believed that the pursuit of immediate and sensual gratification was the key to leading a fulfilling life. According to their philosophy, pleasure was the only intrinsic good, whereas pain was the only intrinsic evil. As a result, they advocated for the relentless pursuit of pleasure while minimizing and avoiding any form of pain.
Their hedonistic beliefs encompassed both physical and intellectual pleasures, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and individual subjectivity. Hedonism, in the context of the Cyrenaics, was not limited to purely hedonistic activities such as indulgent behaviors, but also extended to the enjoyment derived from intellectual stimuli and philosophical discourse.
Despite their focus on hedonism, the Cyrenaics also acknowledged the transient nature of pleasure. They argued that since pleasure is fleeting, it could be found in the present moment rather than in the anticipation of future pleasures or the regret of past ones. This philosophy encouraged individuals to seek immediate satisfaction without concern for future consequences.
While the Cyrenaics' school of thought did not persist for an extensive period, their influence and teachings contributed to the development of subsequent philosophical movements, ultimately shaping the broader landscape of ancient Greek philosophy.
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The philosophers of a school founded at Cyrene.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CYRENIANS
- xyrenians
- vyrenians
- fyrenians
- dyrenians
- ctrenians
- cgrenians
- chrenians
- curenians
- c7renians
- c6renians
- cyeenians
- cydenians
- cyfenians
- cytenians
- cy5enians
- cy4enians
- cyrwnians
- cyrsnians
- cyrdnians
- cyrrnians
Etymology of CYRENIANS
The word "Cyrenians" refers to the people of Cyrene, an ancient Greek city located in modern-day Libya. The origin of the word "Cyrenians" is derived from the Greek word "Kyrēnaíoi" (Κυρηναίοι), which means "people of Cyrene". The name Cyrene itself has been said to have derived from the Greek word "kyros" (κυρος), meaning "supreme" or "lordly".
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