Diogenes, however, criticized him for being too theoretical. The famous philosopher Plato was a contemporary of Diogenes, who believed that ideas are the basis of reality.
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In fact, as the odd man out, he challenged people by striking conversations and confronting them with their faults. When he saw a child drinking water using his hands, he threw away the bowl as well.Įven though he was poor, and rejected social norms and customs, he wasn’t cut off from society. He owned nothing except for some old rags, and a bowl to eat and drink from. He lived in a barrel near the marketplace in the city-state of Corinth. Chapter 1: The dog – his life, and his actionsĭiogenes was the embodiment of poverty. Thus, they criticize human behavior, but do believe that we can be cured. They just fiercely opposed the societies that humans create for themselves, which, in their opinion, prevent them from living in agreement with their true nature. The ancient Cynics, however, weren’t negative at all towards human nature. Or as the Cambridge Dictionary defines it: “The belief that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere.” Cynicism, as it’s used today, refers to a negative stance towards human nature.
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There’s a difference between modern-day cynicism and Cynicism as a philosophy. Antisthenes, as written by Xenophon, Symposium, iv. Wealth and poverty do not lie in a person’s estate, but in their souls. Both would have agreed that wealth isn’t a matter of possessions. It’s not certain if Antisthenes and Diogenes have ever met, but he and the doggish philosopher definitely shared their preference for living a life of poverty. The word ‘cynicism’ comes from the ancient Greek word kunikós, which means ‘doggish’, referring to Antisthenes’ follower Diogenes, who was born in a Greek colony named Sinope. This video explores Diogenes’ philosophy, and what we can learn from his ideas.Ī pupil of Socrates named Antisthenes laid out the first ideas of what would later become the philosophical school called Cynicism. It’s no surprise that people called him ‘doggish’, dog-like, or simply ‘the dog’. He practiced what he preached, behaving obscenely, with no regard for convention. Therefore, we should strip ourselves of these corrupting man made constructs, so we’re able to live how we’re supposed to live: in agreement with nature.ĭiogenes’ stance toward everything cultured was very obvious. He believed that human society infused us with all kinds of unnatural desires that are not only obsolete, but also prevent us from being happy. When you think of philosophy, the shameless behavior of Diogenes the Cynic probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.ĭiogenes strongly opposed social values and institutions, because, according to him, these are at odds with human nature. On top of that, he defecated, urinated, and even sexually gratified himself in public. He ridiculed people on the streets, disrespected authority, broke with all forms of etiquette, and didn’t care about personal hygiene. 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.Video script of ‘Diogenes | The Philosopher Who Urinated On People’ The art of being a slave is to rule one’s master. Most men are within a finger’s breadth of being mad. The great thieves lead away the little thief. There is only a finger’s difference between a wise man and a fool. It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little. Stand a little less between me and the sun. Of what use is a philosopher who doesn’t hurt anybody’s feelings? What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others.ĭogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards. Man is the most intelligent of the animals – and the most silly. In a rich man’s house there is no place to spit but his face. These quotes are funny as well as very deep In this post we are selecting the best funny quotes from Diogenes. Diogenes is known as one of the founders of the cynicist philosophy.