Three major schools of philosophy
The three major schools of philosophy in the Hellenistic world are Cynicism, Pythagoreanism, and Sophism (Giovanni, 2009). Under the Cynicism philosophical school, the cynics argue that a complete life is characterized by virtue by nature. This means that mankind should shun power, wealth, fame, and health as the elements determining complete life (Giovanni, 2009). In the Pythagoreanism school of thought, the focus of the thought pattern is the esoteric teachings of mathematical nature to explain different phenomena in life. Lastly, the Sophism school of thought is based on the elements of virtue and excellence as the sources of nobility education (Sher, 2012).
Appealing School of Thought
The Cynicism school of thought appeals to me most because the underlying arguments are practical and holistic towards creating a pragmatic and all-round individual (Giovanni, 2009). For instance, one of the ascetic founders called Diogenes of Sinope tried to live in agreement with nature through practicing the cynic virtues. I am fascinated with the attempt within this school of thought to alienate the purpose of life from material things such as wealth, fame, and power to greater purpose.
Cynicism and Good Living
The Cynicism philosophical system is a good approach to living a good life because it adjudicates for selfless living away from opulence and neglect to the tenets of society. For instance, according to this school of thought, wealth and power cannot define a complete life since these material things tend to make mankind a selfish and self-righteous person who is not considerate of the holistic societal sustainability. The Cynicism school of thought is more progressive and practical than the Sophism school, which dictates for excellence as opposed to balancing nature and virtue. Besides, it defines nature and virtue as dynamic and not mathematical like the Pythagoreanism school of thought.
References
Giovanni, R. (2009). The systems of the Hellenistic age: History of ancient philosophy. New York, NY: State of New York University Press.
Sher, G. (2012). Ethics: Essential readings in moral theory. New York, NY: Rutledge.