Diogenes of Sinope Quotes

4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher

Diogenes of Sinope (or Diogenes the Cynic; c. 412 BC – 323 BC) was the most famous of the Cynic philosophers of ancient Greece. No writings of his survive, but his sayings are recorded by Diogenes Laërtius and others.

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Native Name: Διογένης ὁ Σινωπεύς

Alternative Names: Diogenes 'The Dog' of Sinope • Diogenes the Cynic • Diogenes

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When some one boasted that at the Pythian games he had vanquished men, Diogenes replied, "Nay, I defeat men, you defeat slaves."

Being asked where in Greece he saw good men, he replied, "Good men nowhere, but good boys at Sparta."

On reaching Athens he fell in with Antisthenes. Being repulsed by him, because he never welcomed pupils, by sheer persistence Diogenes wore him out. Once when he stretched out his staff against him, the pupil offered his head with the words, "Strike, for you will find no wood hard enough to keep me away from you, so long as I think you've something to say."

If you are to be kept right, you must possess either good friends or red-hot enemies. The one will warn you, the other will expose you.

Aristotle dines when it seems good to King Philip, but Diogenes when he himself pleases.

When Alexander the Great addressed him with greetings, and asked if he wanted anything, Diogenes replied "Yes, stand a little out of my sunshine."