![]() ![]() The story of Diogenes is an inspiring one that shows that we can all live with less if we really want to. It is certainly food for thought, though! Did Diogenes wear clothes? However, it is not clear how practical or realistic this would be in today’s society. This is an interesting perspective on what to do with one’s body after death. Why did Alexander the Great admire DiogenesĪnd when that monarch addressed him with greetings, and asked if he wanted anything, “Yes,” said Diogenes, “stand a little out of my sun” It is said that Alexander was so struck by this, and admired so much the haughtiness and grandeur of the man who had nothing but scorn for him, that he said to his followers, who were astonished at Diogenes’ rudeness, “But if I were not Alexander, I should like to be Diogenes.” Diogenes thought that God was sacred and did not have anything to do with human life. ![]() ![]() Diogenes also believed in the existence of God, but he disagreed with the Greek way of worship and their beliefs about God. He is best known for his belief that humans should live simple lives in harmony with nature. One sign of that integrity was his practice of carrying a lantern around Athens in the daytime as he looked for an honest man.ĭiogenes was a philosopher who lived in ancient Greece. Why did Diogenes carry a lamp?ĭiogenes of Sinope was an ancient Greek philosopher who rejected the hollow values he saw in Athenian society. His ideas about living in harmony with nature, and about the importance of self-sufficiency, can be seen in the work of many later philosophers and thinkers. He taught that the best way to live was in accordance with nature, and that humans should free themselves from the artificial constraints of society.ĭiogenes’ teachings were controversial in his day, but his philosophy has had a lasting impact on Western thought. He arrived in Athens with no prospects and nowhere to stay, and began to live a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency. He is known for his unorthodox lifestyle and teachings, which were often at odds with those of the mainstream Greek philosophers of his day.ĭiogenes began his philosophical journey when he was exiled from his home town of Sinope. He once said, “I fawn on those who give me anything, I bark at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals.”ĭiogenes was a Greek philosopher who is credited with starting the philosophical school of Cynicism. Diogenes believed that dogs were superior to humans because they were not burdened by such negative qualities. He was known for his simple lifestyle and for his criticisms of the vanity and acquisitiveness of the human race. Plato believed that it was important to gain the favor of those in power, while Diogenes believed that it was more important to focus on doing honest, simple work.ĭiogenes of Sinope was a Cynic philosopher who lived in the 4th century BC. This exchange highlights the difference between the two men’s philosophies. Diogenes’ response is that if Plato knew how to wash vegetables properly, he would not need to waste his time trying to gain favor with Dionysius. In this quote, Plato is suggesting that Diogenes would not have to work as a lowly vegetable washer if he knew how to schmooze and gain favor with Dionysius, a wealthy and powerful man. “I am called a dog because I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals.” “Even if I am but a pretender to wisdom, that in itself is philosophy.”Ĥ. “The art of being a slave is to rule one’s master.”ģ. “Why not whip the teacher when the pupil misbehaves?”Ģ. Alexander is so impressed by Diogenes that he declares that he wishes he could be him. Diogenes replies by telling Alexander to move a little to the right so he is not blocking his sun. In the story, Alexander is thrilled to meet Diogenes and asks if there is any favor he can do for him. This is a famous anecdote about the thinker Diogenes and the famous Alexander the Great. He rejected the concept of “manners” as a lie and advocated complete truthfulness at all times and under any circumstance. “There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.” -Diogenes What is Diogenes best known for?ĭiogenes of Sinope was a Greek Cynic philosopher who is best known for holding a lantern (or candle) to the faces of the citizens of Athens, claiming he was searching for an honest man. ![]()
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