How to Say No

An entertaining and enlightening collection of ancient writings about the philosophers who advocated simple living and rejected unthinking conformity The Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who stood athwart the flood of society's material excess, unexamined conventions, and even norms of politeness and thundered "No!" Diogenes, the most famous Cynic, wasn't shy about literally extending his middle finger to the world, expressing mock surprise that "most people go crazy over a finger." When asked why he was called Diogenes the Dog, he replied "because I fawn on those who give, I bark at those who don't, and I bite scoundrels." How to Say No is a delightful collection of brief ancient writings about Cynicism that captures all the outrageousness, wit, and wisdom of its remarkable cast of characters-from Diogenes in the fourth century BCE to the column-stander Symeon Stylites in late antiquity. With their "less is more" approach to life, the Cynics speak urgently to our world of climate change, economic uncertainty, and psychic malaise. Although the Cynics weren't writers, their memorable utterances and behavior were recorded by their admirers and detractors, and M. D. Usher offers fresh new translations of appealing selections from this body of writing-ranging from street sermons and repartee to biography and snapshots of Cynics in action. Complete with introductions to the volume and each selection as well as the original Greek and Latin on facing pages, this lively book demonstrates why the Cynics still retain their power to surprise us and make us laugh-and to make us think and question how we live.

An entertaining and enlightening collection of ancient writings about the philosophers who advocated simple living and rejected unthinking conformity The Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who stood athwart the flood of society's material excess, unexamined conventions, and even norms of politeness and thundered "No!" Diogenes, the most famous Cynic, wasn't shy about literally extending his middle finger to the world, expressing mock surprise that "most people go crazy over a finger." When asked why he was called Diogenes the Dog, he replied "because I fawn on those who give, I bark at those who don't, and I bite scoundrels." How to Say No is a delightful collection of brief ancient writings about Cynicism that captures all the outrageousness, wit, and wisdom of its remarkable cast of characters-from Diogenes in the fourth century BCE to the column-stander Symeon Stylites in late antiquity. With their "less is more" approach to life, the Cynics speak urgently to our world of climate change, economic uncertainty, and psychic malaise. Although the Cynics weren't writers, their memorable utterances and behavior were recorded by their admirers and detractors, and M. D. Usher offers fresh new translations of appealing selections from this body of writing-ranging from street sermons and repartee to biography and snapshots of Cynics in action. Complete with introductions to the volume and each selection as well as the original Greek and Latin on facing pages, this lively book demonstrates why the Cynics still retain their power to surprise us and make us laugh-and to make us think and question how we live.

Say NO to demanding friends. NO to parties you don't want to go to. NO to being tied to your phone. NO to unwanted hugs. This is an empowering, essential and playful guide to setting boundaries. Growing up is a minefield. You have to navigate new friendships, new teachers, your body changes, people are kissing, there never seems to be enough hours in the day ... and why is everyone suddenly posting their breakfast on social media?! Author and life coach Michelle Elman is here to show you how to say no and take control. 'No' makes you strong. 'No' makes you confident. 'No' makes you realise your worth and what you deserve. From setting boundaries with friendships, phones, family, your body and much more, and with funny and informative illustrations, this important, playful and empowering book is a one-stop guide to creating the rules to your own life, and knowing when it's okay to say NO! Suitable for readers aged 10+

Say NO to demanding friends. NO to parties you don't want to go to. NO to being tied to your phone. NO to unwanted hugs. This is an empowering, essential and playful guide to setting boundaries. Growing up is a minefield. You have to navigate new friendships, new teachers, your body changes, people are kissing, there never seems to be enough hours in the day ... and why is everyone suddenly posting their breakfast on social media?! Author and life coach Michelle Elman is here to show you how to say no and take control. 'No' makes you strong. 'No' makes you confident. 'No' makes you realise your worth and what you deserve. From setting boundaries with friendships, phones, family, your body and much more, and with funny and informative illustrations, this important, playful and empowering book is a one-stop guide to creating the rules to your own life, and knowing when it's okay to say NO! Suitable for readers aged 10+