Cynicism and Platonism are two schools of philosophy that differ in important ways. [1] Cynicism focused on detachment from desires and pursuing virtue over pleasure, seeking self-sufficiency. [2] In contrast, Platonism emphasized self-knowledge and believed philosophy should synthesize all knowledge, viewing reality as a systematic whole rather than separate parts. [3] The document compares the key characteristics and focuses of Cynicism versus Platonism as ancient schools of philosophy.