Diogenes of Sinope

Diogenes of Sinope (412?-323 bc), Greek philosopher, generally considered the founder of Cynicism (see Cynics), an ancient school of philosophy.

Born in Sinope (modern Sinop, Turkey), Diogenes studied in Athens, where he was a disciple of Greek philosopher Antisthenes, who taught that social conventions should be disregarded and pleasure shunned. Diogenes plunged into a life of austerity and self-mortification. He wore coarse clothing, ate plain food, and slept on the bare ground, in the open streets, or under porticoes. His eccentric life did not, however, lose him the respect of the Athenians, who admired his contempt of comfort.

Practical good was the chief aim of Diogenes’ philosophy, and he did not conceal his disdain for literature and the fine arts. He laughed at men of letters for reading of the sufferings of Odysseus while neglecting their own problems, and at orators who studied how to enforce truth but not how to practice it. On a voyage to Aegina, Diogenes was seized by pirates and carried to Crete (Kríti), where he was sold as a slave. When asked what business he was proficient in, he answered, “In commanding.” He was purchased by a certain Xeniades of Corinth, who recognized his worth, set him free, and made him tutor to his children.

According to a popular story, Diogenes walked through Athens in broad daylight carrying a lighted lamp, saying that he was looking for an honest man. On another occasion Diogenes is said to have had an interview with Alexander the Great, who opened the conversation with “I am Alexander the Great.” The philosopher answered, “And I am Diogenes the Cynic.” Alexander then asked him in what way he could serve him. “You can step out of my sunlight,” the philosopher replied. Alexander is said to have been so struck with the Cynic’s self-possession that he went away remarking, “If I were not Alexander, I should wish to be Diogenes.”

According to tradition, Diogenes died at Corinth on the same day as Alexander. Diogenes was wholly concerned with practical wisdom and established no system of philosophy. Certain literary works were early attributed to Diogenes, but even in ancient times they were recognized as spurious.