15 Best Diogenes Quotes That Will Challenge Your Conventional Wisdom

The Cynic’s Perspective: Memorable Diogenes Quotes for the Modern Thinker

by Story Brunch August 14, 2023, 11:24 pm

Diogenes and His Words: Are They Really As Bold As We Hear?

Alright, let’s talk about Diogenes. I am sure you must have heard his name, there are many Diogenes clubs in the world and he is often considered the father of the School of Absurdism. If you haven’t, imagine a man from ancient Greece with a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit, constantly pushing the boundaries of societal norms. The stories around him? Absolutely captivating.

Remember that story about a guy roaming Athens with a lantern, claiming he’s searching for an honest man—but in broad daylight? That’s him. Oh, and there’s another one about him and Alexander the Great that’s pure gold. Sounds like a character out of a novel, right?

This article is my attempt to unpack some of his zingers. Some of these quotes? They will leave you pausing for a good minute, rethinking some stuff. Are you curious about what this renegade philosopher had to say? Wondering if his bold words might shake up your day a little?

So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the curious world of Diogenes together.

It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.

Diogenes

Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards.

Diogenes

Diogenes to Alexander- "I have nothing to ask but that you would remove to the other side, that you may not, by intercepting the sunshine, take from me what you cannot give."

Diogenes

The art of being a slave is to rule one's master.

Diogenes

As a matter of self-preservation, a man needs good friends or ardent enemies, for the former instruct him and the latter take him to task.

Diogenes

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

Diogenes

There is only a finger's difference between a wise man and a fool.

Diogenes

It is not that I am mad, it is only that my head is different from yours.

Diogenes

I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.

Diogenes

Alexander the Great found the philosopher looking attentively at a pile of human bones. Diogenes explained, "I am searching for the bones of your father but cannot distinguish them from those of a slave.”

Diogenes

A philosopher named Aristippus, who had quite willingly sucked up to Dionysus and won himself a spot at his court, saw Diogenes cooking lentils for a meal. "If you would only learn to compliment Dionysus, you wouldn't have to live on lentils." Diogenes replied, "But if you would only learn to live on lentils, you wouldn't have to flatter Dionysus.”