Diogenes the CynicOne of Ancient Greek Philosophy’s more controversial figures, Diogenes shoul

Diogenes the Cynic

One of Ancient Greek Philosophy’s more controversial figures, Diogenes should be best remembered for his influence on the philosophy of Cynicism and ultimately the school of Stoicism, however, his accomplishments with regards to those is somewhat overshadowed by his rather bizarre, rude, and crude behaviour whilst living on the streets of Athens.

Diogenes was banished from his home in Sinope for debasement of coins and upon arriving in Athens got rid of his belongings and took to a life a vagrancy, sleeping each night inside a large ceramic jar known as a pithos. 

Many described Diogenes’s behaviour as dog-like, particularly his eating of food found in the street and his defecating in public. Diogenes himself admired the dog and believed dogs led honest lives free of the artificiality and hypocrisy of human beings. He would share his scraps with the street dogs who would follow him everywhere. The word ‘cynic’ is actually derived from the Greek work ‘kynikos,’ which means ‘dog-like.’ 

He was also a fierce detractor of Plato and to show this would attend his lectures only to argue with him or cause annoying distractions by loudly eating snacks through them. He would also masturbate in public.

There are anecdotal tales of Alexander the Great meeting Diogenes. The King, apparently quite thrilled at the opportunity, was taken to see the philosopher whilst he sunned himself on top of the pithos in which he lived. Alexander asked Diogenes if there was anything he could do for him, to which Diogenes responded, “Yes, stand out of my sunlight.”