The first practical reaction to speculative philosophy came with Antisthenes, a companion of Socrates. His followers began to advocate a way of life more than a philosophy. Their chief doctrine was virtue, which they defined as life according to nature. Because they were willing to go to any extreme to make their point in public, they became known as the "Cynics" (meaning "dog" in Greek). Not a popular group, these.

And for more reasons than just their name. The Cynics want you to cut all necessities to bare minimums. Many lived their lives as wandering beggars, going barefoot and wearing a single rough garment. The staff and beggar's wallet became their symbol. Their food was lentils, and their beverage cold water. One of their leaders chose to live inside a barrel, which he carried around himself as his clothing. Their goal was to achieve utter tranquility against all changes of fortune.

They attacked all forms of convention and the lax moral standards of their day, and were sure they were on a divine mission to reform their culture. And so they have given their name to anyone who criticizes the establishment. Whether they live in a barrel or not.