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Diogenes

Diogenes (412-323 B.C.) was a Greek philosopher, also called "The Cynic", chiefly because he founded the Cynic Philosophy. He was born in Sinope, in Pontus, came to Athens, was attracted to Antisthenes and became a disciple, and a sansculotte of the first water. Diogenes dressed himself in the coarsest, lived on the plainest, slept in the porches of the temples, and finally took up his dwelling in a tub. He stood on his naked manhood. He would not have anything to do with what did not contribute to its enhancement. He despised every one who sought satisfaction in anything else. He went through the highways and byways of the city at noontide with a lit lantern in quest of a man; a man himself not to be laughed at or despised.

Visiting Corinth, he was accosted by Alexander the Great: "I am Alexander," said the king, and "I am Diogenes" was the prompt reply. "Can I do anything to serve you?" continued the king. "Yes, stand out of the sunlight," rejoined the cynic, upon which Alexander turned away saying, "If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes."

D'Alembert declared Diogenes the greatest man of antiquity, only that he wanted decency. "Great truly," says Carlyle, but adds with a much more serious drawback than that. See "Sartor Resartus," Bk.III.Ch.1.

Wisdom & Quotes

  • The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.
- quoted in Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Euclid of Alexandria


Page last modified on Thursday November 18, 2021 10:13:51 GMT-0000