Diogenes the Cynic

Diogenes of Sinope or Diogenes the Cynic (c. 412-323 BCE) was a contemporary of Socrates’ pupil Plato, whom Plato described as “a Socrates gone mad”.

Around the fourth century BC Alexander the Great, who was perhaps the most powerful and influential man of the time decided to approach Diogenes as he was basking in the sun and was so thrilled to meet him that he asked if there could be anything he might do for him.

Being of immense power and status, Alexander could have fulfilled the philosopher’s most wild dreams, however the philosopher replied “Yes, stand out of my light…”.

Diogenes of Sinope (arguably one of the most radical and remarkable characters in the whole philosophical cannon!) is certainly the most memorable and popular philosopher from the school of thought known as Cynicism. The Cynics believed that society was regressive epitomized in these quotes by Diogenes:

“Humans have complicated every simple gift of the gods”

“He has the most who is most content with the least”

At the end of their encounter, Alexander declared “If I were not Alexander, I would wish to be Diogenes”.

To which Diogenes replied “if I were not Diogenes, I would also wish to be Diogenes”.