[2] Written in Koine Greek, the Epistles are among the few Cynic writings which have survived from the time of the Roman empire.

Many of these letters were also written by someone with a strong affinity towards Cynic ideals, albeit with a sympathy towards Aristippus rather than Antisthenes.

Thus instructions and explanations are given on whom (and whom not) to emulate and how different aspects of wisdom are acquired and demonstrated, mixed in with polemics directed against people who oppose these ideals.

[2] The moral anecdotes contained in the epistles are probably examples of those used by Cynic street preachers of the time.

[3] As with much Cynic thought in the time of the Roman empire, the content of the epistles show influences from Stoicism and other philosophies.