Diogenes of Sinope was a Greek philosopher who lived ca. 400 - ca. 325 B.C. He was the most famous exponent of Cynicism, which called for a closer imitation of nature, the repudiation of most human conventions, and complete independence of mind and spirit.
But he was also a very playful philosopher who liked to use great wit when challenging the values and beliefs of his fellow citizens in ancient Athens. Here are some examples:
Someone asked, 'Why is it, Diogenes, that pupils leave you to go to other teachers, but rarely do they leave them to come to you?' 'Because,' replied Diogenes, 'one can make eunuchs out of men, but no one can make a man out of eunuchs.'
Diogenes was asked, 'What is the difference between life and death? He answered, 'No difference.' 'Well then, why do you remain in this life?' 'Because there is no difference,' Diogenes said.
The Teachings of Diogenes.
3 comment(s):
Isnt this the wrong diogenes?
I think we may be confusing
Diogenes Laertius with his namesake
Diogenes of Sinope
But I am certainly no history professor.
You are absolutely right. It is Diogenes of Sinope that we are talking about here. Thanks.
Diogenes began his career by being a beggar in Athens. He began by begging from statues, to get used to being refused. Someone asked him why it is that people will give to the poor but not a philosopher. 'People know that someday they might be poor, but nobody imagines that they will turn to philosophy."
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