The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2

A collection of orations and letters composed during the 4th century AD. This volume includes notable works such as Oration VI, in which Julian critiques the New Cynics and defends the philosophical tradition associated with figures like Diogenes. The text serves as both a platform for Julian's philosophical arguments and a historical account of the period's struggles with cultural and religious shifts. At the start of this volume, the opening discusses Julian's critique of a contemporary Cynic who disparages Diogenes, the famed philosopher known for his ascetic lifestyle. Julian highlights the hypocrisy among the New Cynics, who adopt the outward appearances of their predecessors—such as the coarse cloak and long hair—without embracing the true discipline and values that characterized earlier Cynicism. The emphasis lies on Julian's call for a return to genuine philosophical inquiry and self-examination, demonstrating his desire to reform the misinterpreted philosophical ideals of his time.