The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1886-01-28
CYNlCEM
discovered to be MentAl Dfsorller Result
ing from DyspepsaA.

ING kKOW OySPeHDA0s
It is pleasing to observe how the phi
aosophy of the cynics has Of late years
fallen into low regard, until now the
disciples of Antisthenes are seriously
considered by themselves only. After
aourishing with varying vigor for over
two thousand years the philosophy OF
the cynics has at last totally collapsed
since it has been discovered that the
cynics' snarl is but the manifestation OF
q distorted liver There is, too, great
lck of romance about a fit Of indiges-
ton, and an ill-regulated liver is too
naked of dignity to permit, either to
exert, any influence on human thought
outside of the mind Immediately af-
fected.
The disrepute and final disregard into
which cynicism has fallen may be writ
ten down as one of the happiest victo-
ries of modern science. The world
would have been saved much unhappi-
ness if it had always been possible. as
science has made it now possible, to
classify all cyniclsms under the heads
of their respective causes. as lin
digestion" silver complaint" etc. 1t
was witty for Socrates to say that he
saw the vanity of Antisthenes through
the hole in his garments, but it is much
more to the purpose that specialized
physician Of to-day can trace the mod
ern cynic most churlish opinion to a
piece of undigestcd pie or an ultra-pes-
simistic view to a sluggish liver,
That cynicism, pure and simple. has
come to be regarded thus is fortunate,
| too, for the reason that it was at once
the cheapest, and, to certain sophomore
| minds, the most attractive school OF
philosophy. 1t only required of its dis.
ciples that they sneer when the preach
| ers snarled. Now that it is considered
| bad form to repeat a cynicism. as if one
were to introduce the question of rival
creeds, for instance, into polite society
the budding philosophers are forced to
adopt some other school; and as none
is as bad as the cynics the general av
erage of philosophy must improve Tha
it has improved is apparent from al
sides. Men are now no longer ashamed
to confess preferences for clearly NOR
ais in others, and in this wild virils
West of ours women are even heard t.
boast Of the possession of physics
health, and with their sex spinal dis
ease is no longer the sole sign of gentl,
birth and good breeding. Nations n.
longer boast of their vices, and strang'
rumors are a1luat that square shoulder
and a tanned face in the modern youn;
lady are so far from being equivalen
to a mark of vulgarity as to be actually
striven for, and their possession caus
for unconcealed pride.
things some of the fortunate results o
the worlds Indifference to the bark ant
snarl Of the cynic. Until now, tn
world has been afraid of cynicism, iron
the time Antisthenes constructed an,
Diogenes preached the cynic philoso
ply, which placed the ideal of virtue il
the disregarding of every interest, hon
or and enjoyment, and in the independ
ence of every restraint of life and sc
ciety. That philosophy would not hav
outlived Diogenes had there been som
one there to prove him not a correc
philosopher, but confirmed dyspeptic
Now that science has at this remot
day supplied the necessary proof, n
one is any longer afraid to preach en-
} joyment for its own sake. 1t has be
come popular to praise the holnely dc
mestic virtues, to uphold the conven
tionalities of society as the obligation
imposed by good taste. So charming
ly natural is the philosophy begotten 9
!. a release from the fear of cynics tina
men are now found bold enough to IS
sert life worth living for the mere on
!; joyment OF good health and clear cor
science Since to be cynic is merel
to acknowledge a vulgar bodily infirn
, ity, what the cynics most scott at ar
the things which the healthy world no,
most applauds; and thus it has come t
pass that man is no longer ashame
to confess that he loves his wife. b.
: lieves in his friends, has not found lii
a bore, considers immortality disgustin
and believes in God.
| Some there are of this new school {
philosophy, now that cynicism has bee
Juted by the superior claims of health
? fulness, who are SO advanced and dal
ing in their views as to assert that th
: time is not far distant when man ma
r marry fctr love and say so without fea
Of being sneered off the face of til
earth. Perhaps this is too hopeful
Q view of the future. yet what is alread
assured makes us thankful that, anon
is many triumphs, modern science nun
!. oers that of having labeled cynicism
, mental disorder resulting from a nc
: aice bodily ailment-Sdn Francist
lChrnnicIo