Diogenes the Cynic: Philosophy, Life, and Anecdotes

Diogenes of Sinope, also known as Diogenes the Cynic, was a philosopher and notable figure in ancient Greece. Born in 412 BC in Sinope, a Greek colony on the coast of the Black Sea, Diogenes challenged social conventions and became one of the most intriguing and controversial philosophers of his time. His lifestyle and teachings defied established norms, and his anecdotes and provocations left an indelible mark on the history of philosophical thought.
Diogenes was known for his disdain for material comforts, living in poverty and rejecting conventional social norms. He adopted an ascetic way of life, carrying only the essentials and divesting himself of any superfluous possessions. It is said that he lived in a barrel, and his rejection of social norms and his pursuit of authenticity led him to be considered the founding father of the philosophical school of cynicism.
Diogenes challenged the powerful and influential figures of his time, ridiculing famous philosophers like Plato and rejecting established social conventions. Through his actions and words, he sought to question notions of virtue, happiness, and the true purpose of life. His teachings, though often controversial and provocative, invite reflection and the questioning of our own beliefs and values.
In this presentation, we will explore the life, anecdotes, and philosophy of Diogenes the Cynic, delving into the challenging and rebellious philosophy that characterized him. Through his words and actions, we will uncover the subversive ideas and the search for authenticity that defined this remarkable Greek philosopher.
Pictures through Wikimedia commons:
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5. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinop,_...
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7. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_S...
8. es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di%C3%B...
► Watch more:
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Timecodes
0:00 - Unconventional statements
0:18 - Begging with purpose
0:32 - Challenging Plato's judgment
0:52 - Unconventional philosopher
2:33 - Toughening against discomfort
2:55 - Purifying the tree
3:25 - Life and death
3:38 - In the face of adversity
4:11 - A playful introduction
4:30 - Real wisdom beyond words
4:55 - Money as a lesson
5:04 - Embracing opposition
5:17 - The true cost of wealth
5:42 - Observing human weaknesses
6:01 - The search for an honest man
6:29 - The spectacle of attention
6:52 - Washing vegetables and courting kings
7:13 - Simplicity surpassed
7:23 - The dilemma of marriage and freedom
8:17 - The appearance of a wise man
8:27 - The worst nightmare
8:35 - Walking backward
#stoicism #philosophy #diogenes

[@godcomplex1929]

This dude came up with every single comeback known to mankind. The kind we think of in the shower 5 days after the argument

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Indeed, Diogenes had a remarkable talent for witty comebacks and sharp retorts. His quick thinking and clever responses often left people in awe. Thank you so much for your comments!

[@logiconlyzone]

When you live in alignment with truth and virtue in totality, you will too be insulted by people on a daily basis who find your contradicting existence abhorrent. Then you too will develop a merciless tongue toward liars, thieves, and delusional believers of culture/tradition/society.

[@deanyanko3326]

ya that is my problem timely witticisms but am a stoic living the philosophy reality.

[@daveevangelist4633]

7:40 “Freedom wouldn’t be so hard to obtain if the prison wasn’t so sweet” 🔥

[@IndraYule]

He invented the yo moma joke

[@liltick102]

When Diogenes was sold as a slave, he said pointing at a man “sell me to that man, he needs a master” - which worked and Diogenes educated his family.

[@byron8657]

One doesn’t become poor by diminishing his wealth, he becomes poor by multiplying his desires. Diogenes the father of Cynicism

[@askholia]

My son straight up flamed Plato. I f'ing love Diogenes so much.

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Absolutely! I'm glad you enjoyed Diogenes' straightforward take on Plato. Diogenes was certainly not afraid to express his opinions in a bold and direct manner. Plato and he had very different perspectives, and Diogenes didn't hesitate to make humorous or provocative comments about his contemporaries. I'm delighted that you appreciated the presentation!

[@eclectic2052]

Wonderful words. A wake up call for us who worship material possessions . Old wisdom.

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! Diogenes' rejection of material possessions and his embrace of a simpler, more authentic way of life do serve as a powerful reminder in today's world where materialism often takes center stage. It's indeed an old wisdom that continues to resonate, urging us to reflect on our values and priorities.

[@rodrigomunoz6496]

My favorite philosopher

[@sipzc-dj]

Suddenly mine also 🤌🏼

[@grock329]

Truly glad i came to know him, truly a gift to humanity. What a way to live

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

I'm thrilled that you found the exploration of Diogenes' life and philosophy enlightening! His unconventional way of living and his challenging philosophy indeed make him a unique and intriguing figure in history. Diogenes' approach to life continues to inspire many to question societal norms and seek authenticity.

[@nosimpathy6952]

Diogenes was ahead of this time metaporically and literally

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Certainly! Diogenes was a trailblazer, both metaphorically and literally. His unconventional lifestyle and philosophical ideas were ahead of his time, challenging societal norms in ancient Greece. Today, his wisdom still resonates, urging us to question and seek authenticity in our lives.

[@14489]

I admire Diogenes so much but i am too weak to be like him, he was indeed exaggerating in so meny things but that was a unique way of teaching others...

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Remember, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, so be kind to yourself as you explore how to apply Diogenes' lessons in a way that resonates with you. Thank you so much for your comments!

[@realBAVIS]

Rearrange your concept of self, start to believe you are strong. Tell yourself you are strong. Every day. Watch what happens when you begin to believe it.

[@lydianbailey4277]

If diogenes can do it others can

[@bentoomet8805]

I also admire him and his teachings, but remember no man has ever reached greatness off of one ideal. They must incorporate and understand the ideals of others around them in order to lead.

[@remus5480]

Don't worry, if Diogenes were not as strong as Diogenes, he too would wish to be Diogenes.

[@lorettahookano6139]

I’ve never heard of this guy but I love him !

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Thank you so much for your comments!

[@DevDabs420Official]

Dude was a straight savage

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Diogenes definitely had a reputation for his bold and unconventional behavior. He wasn't afraid to challenge societal norms and live life on his own terms. He was indeed a unique character in history! Thank you so much for your comments!

[@marcelopendragon1690]

Upon being challenged for masturbating in the marketplace, Diogenes replied, ‘If only it were so easy to soothe hunger by rubbing an empty belly'. Upon being asked, on another occasion, where he came from, he replied, ‘I am a citizen of the world' (cosmopolites), a radical claim at the time and the first recorded use of the term ‘cosmopolitan'

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Thank you for sharing those insightful anecdotes about Diogenes! His responses truly reflect his unorthodox and thought-provoking approach to life. His remark about masturbation highlights his disdain for societal norms and his focus on fundamental human needs. Similarly, his assertion of being a "citizen of the world" speaks to his rejection of narrow identities and his embrace of a broader, more inclusive perspective. It's fascinating to see how his ideas were so groundbreaking and ahead of his time. If you have any more anecdotes or reflections on Diogenes' philosophy, feel free to share!

[@say9224]

that washing vegetables was goated

[@cjason123]

Sometimes, you're considered a crazy man until someone follows and documents your actions

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Diogenes was often seen as eccentric or crazy by many, but his unique actions and philosophy have had a lasting impact. Thank you for highlighting this perspective!

[@tuomasriipinen5113]

If we can’t aspire to be even adequate Cynics, at least let us aspire to be good Stoics. Still let the example of Diogenes light the way to detach from conformity, luxury and pleasure for sake of the true good-even when his methods were radical and mostly unnecessary, but to be still admired for his courage, honesty, integrity and simplicity in his way of living; so to speak just being a master of himself in a sense of the word.

[@lo-fitherapy2228]

Diogenes is that person, that if you know him, people who read philosophy will know you know stuff

[@pinkthrall6038]

This is my first video about philosophy I’ve actually watched and know little to nothing about philosophy

[@TrueChimera_]

AHAHAH WELL SAID

[@sipzc-dj]

I like him, he could be the wisest 🤌🏼

[@Jules-Was-an-AnCap]

When asked if he liked Oreos, Diogenes said: "I only like the reverse Oreos, with vanilla cookies and chocolate frosting. All of you are living backwards lives".

[@shavionbates9211]

My favorite philosopher 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@ajay.s74]

thank you for making this video

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

It's great to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you for your comments!

[@joshashley264]

Keep these videos coming! I love your content. Thank you for your work.

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. Thank you for watching and for your encouragement!

[@thejourneyofatruthseekersq8061]

Wow! This blows my mind! So amazing.

[@PilarinenM]

Shame on all of whom try to slander his blessed soul.

[@jaygonzales8258]

Well, that's one way of crowdfunding. "Diogenes has just entered the brothel."

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Diogenes definitely had a knack for capturing attention and making a statement with his actions. His unconventional approach always leads to intriguing stories. Thank you for your comments!

[@slxpictures]

Amazing. I don't know if anyone ever cut through bullshit the way this man did ❤

[@ramenhouse22]

Diogenes is like the chuck norris of cycnic philosophy

[@eytner_E]

I was looking for a channel about philosophy for a long time. Your channel is the best

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're committed to continuing to provide insightful and engaging videos. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@motivemystic]

Wow, I absolutely loved this video! Diogenes the Cynic's philosophy has always fascinated me, and this video did a great job in explaining his life and sharing interesting anecdotes. I appreciate how it simplified his complex ideas, making it accessible for everyone. Thank you for creating such engaging content!

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Thank you so much for your positive feedback! Simplifying complex ideas to make them accessible is always a goal, and I'm glad it resonated with you.

[@bswalkin]

If i could do back in time it would be to get really really drunk with Diogenes.

[@aenirrinea523]

😂😂 I can't with this man. I named a character of mine Diogenes not knowing that the real guy was something of a strong character himself.

[@pinkthrall6038]

For sure buddy u totally just thought that name up

[@aenirrinea523]

@@pinkthrall6038 nope, found it on a name list site. I thought it was a random name, was what I meant.

[@kf9926]

What character ? What do you do ?

[@manateetbharti1577]

Thank You Very Much !

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

I truly appreciate your kind words.🙏

[@GregtheGrey6969]

Excellent!

[@putraakun6181]

Thanks

[@robertdoble7665]

"Freedom wouldn`t be so hard to obtain if the prison weren`t so sweet." That is eternally right. Legend.

[@manuelmyers222]

Good one

[@samuelhoffmann162]

Some of these aren’t mentioned in Diogenes Laërtius “Lives and opinions of Eminent Philosophers”. Where did you get all these stories from? I enjoyed the video, cheers 🇦🇺

[@wickhunter7733]

"Why bother to live then, If living rightly doesn't bother you?", because there's no difference between being alive or being dead as you stated Diogenes.

[@WisdomForYouFromAncientTimes]

Love the Video!

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

We are grateful for your support and kind words.🙏

[@christophersnedeker]

7:02 It wasn't Plato it was the philosopher Aristippus.

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

► Watch more about Diogenes: ⚫ 16M+ views - kzbin.infoe-SPCiwSvLo ⚫ Anecdotes - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2KQhml7gtOojpI ⚫ Alexander the Great - kzbin.infodKUziZPR9Js ⚫ Strikes Again! - kzbin.info2FHnT_Pl5cE

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

@@RobB-zz9pr Thank you so much for your kind words!🙏

[@Fart_Tea]

Does he have books circulating up to date?

[@dward8146]

He was an unusual man. I understand most of what he thought, however, being as I am a typical human, with typical foibles, I am prone to having the same weaknesses as most of my human counterparts, although using toilet facilities is not, in my humble opinion, a foible. It's necessary for the maintenance of health.

[@BlaqueRainbow]

A few of these made me chuckle but the The Wise Man one sent me 🤣

[@basicdose.9872]

Nowadays such men are called homeless bums. Derelicts. Those were the days , when such men were called philosophers.

[@aikogiron3449]

Diogenes the savage-comeback

[@HRHOCHUKOii]

Please what is the name of the website you use I love this

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Could you provide further clarification for your question?

[@HRHOCHUKOii]

@@stoicwisdomquotes I mean the photos combination is very beautiful and write up please I just want to know the application or the website you are using

[@younesy.5298]

Also wanna know. And the Voice too please

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

@@younesy.5298 Please take note that the voice we utilize is a unique creation by Stoic Wisdom Quotes and is not accessible on any other website. We appreciate your interest and support!

[@TheArchives111]

To live in unity with civilization is like clinging onto sufferings, where unity is like a mask to hide our vulnerability and identity. Yet without the mask of unity whole generations can collapse. But the truth is, with the mask we can develop a society at the expensive costs of a stunted character development that emphasise on the growth of our 5 senses - see, touch, smell, hear and emotions. The very modernisation that blinds our conception of a developed character to grapple on different challenges to who we actually are, a rat of small things or a lion of difficult things.

[@captainlocks394]

What's the name of the background music I've finding this for 7 years now.?

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Esther Abrami - No.4 Piano Journey

[@captainlocks394]

You have my eternal thanks now i shall weep for this victory you brought

[@JamesKirkley-gw4rn]

Hey Amber,watch this!!!

[@Tom-Servo]

When he saw the boy drinking from his hands and he threw away his cup.

[@lydianbailey4277]

And he never cared how people thought of him even Plato he probably knew all people are equal along with him he didn't think of higher or lower of people I bet and when plato said something about humans diogenes just plucked a chicken and said there's your human he is really smart he never stopped thinking because when your alone you think alot more

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

You're absolutely right! He challenged conventional notions and often used unconventional actions to provoke deeper thinking. Thank you for your comments.🙏

[@mulualemdegu9583]

"What is the difference between life and death?" Diogenes The Cynic .

[@TheGritherr]

True greatness. A god.

[@user-de1by5mk9u]

We are all god

[@Randomstuff-mz6um]

Is this channel monetize?

[@prodyang]

Diogenes: i didnt even do half this shit bro

[@jasoncoker1625]

🤘❤️

[@ChickenMcThiccken]

"you are as poor as a dog" no. i am as rich as a king

[@SalvoAmalfa23]

😍

[@scottwalker9766]

To put it frankly. He was a bad ass. He fought with words.

[@scottwalker9766]

He certainly understood one thing. You have to fight to live.

[@scottwalker9766]

He's my favorite.

[@scottwalker9766]

Diogenes the sage.

[@ElryFJetson897]

👏👏👏👏👏😢

[@yaichi27]

Music name?

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

Esther Abrami - No.4 Piano Journey

[@yaichi27]

@@stoicwisdomquotes Thanks, I've had it in my head since I saw the video and was going dumb to find it😅

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

@@yaichi27 It was my pleasure. I'm glad we could help you locate it.

[@byron8657]

A true minimalist cool dude! A survivor! Were born naked and will die naked! When we die we only will bring in us and present itto the Gods the knowledge that we have lived our life with inner peace and fulfilled! K

[@HRHOCHUKOii]

The third time of watching this again

[@stoicwisdomquotes]

It's great to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@thomaskovacs5094]

Didnt Alexander the great meet a vedic monk in india that acted in a similar fashion?

[@Chase_baker_1996]

Diogenes is an odd fellow, but I very wise philosopher

[@MONICAANICA]

Money cost too much💕

[@joebrowne9217]

Confucius say.....not much snow in Greece!

[@tumpizm4719]

His story

[@TheDowntownHermit-xj6rq]

He would have stood the minimalist movement on it's ear...

[@kevintovartorres6802]

Diogenes was the first troll in history and I find that funny

[@4cidwav3]

i think its not too cynic, its rather realistic

[@mikerutecky7531]

long live diogibes th cynic

[@ryandjl8541]

I can imagine him being so ahead of his times he was driven mad by the dull and small mindded ppl around him.. liken it to a man now licing with ppl from 1000s of years ago

[@deanyanko3326]

once I joined a church an elder said about me "We'll have to put this cantankerous one in the dog house I barked and left .

[@MrS22222]

He gave the child his cup.

[@TheRealEmpowerMent]

Your exploration of Diogenes' musings and tales is a feast for the intellectual soul. May his unorthodox wisdom continue to provoke thought and challenge convention. A homage to the unbounded spirit of inquiry. 🏛📚🧐

[@hasanrampurawala6393]

Diogenes just never grew out of puberty

[@darillus1]

you're missing the point if u think that.

[@mikerutecky7531]

my guy destroyed the heads of greak pholishy with a few words

[@CedrickTudge]

I wonder what he thought of alcohol?

[@ChadPowers7]

Diogenes “ Drinks are for drunkurds , now hand it over to me” lol 😂

[@CedrickTudge]

@@ChadPowers7 I like him even more now

[@johnbroadway4196]

To say anything else, is asking for a stone to be thrown out of spite.

[@mikerutecky7531]

this mans teaching proved to me ima cynic and cant stand socity ........... people like this are lost in time .... tg we can still rember them

[@ryanmalady376]

Im glad to know about him but i sure wouldnt want to live near him

[@mikerutecky7531]

this s y this guy is a legebd ,,,,,,, but with legend comes facts

[@jussikankinen9409]

He lost his father money and then mind, lanthern looking for honest man sounds like god lightning earth when some people thought sun is lanthern going around over earth

[@GrAMZz729]

Rylo Rodriguez = Diogenes

[@kidsyx]

Diogenes is every thing socrates wishes he was.

[@tongobong1]

Jesus, Diogenes and Trump are the greatest men ever!

[@jasonrr9817]

Diogenes: the original Punk

[@maxhamman]

The first Punk

[@T.T.85]

Feeling more and more cynical every day 🤷‍♂️. Not sure if that's a good thing, or a bad thing.

[@minnesotafats8140]

3:15 to like 3:25 WTF??!! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@garydixon5838]

Diogenes, a bit of a rebel😂

[@dukefang1001]

Oh hey, it’s the publicly-defecating philosopher that lived in a barrel on the streets.

[@imajinSt]

The all time greatest TROLL 🎉🎉🎉😂

[@Rightk777]

people were that bored, even bums got there stories told

[@dats_krayzee]

CHRIST: I must say Father. Plato is quite living up to what you wanted, to help w/ humanity. GOD: Huh. Indeed he is my Son. However. It’s been mundane a bit. Let’s make it a little interesting. EARTH: And thus Diogenes is born…

[@walyachilz9466]

didn't just want to work but get free money

[@mikerutecky7531]

a rich man is much pooer then a poor man becose pooris something rich cant buy ......

[@mikerutecky7531]

fyi following trends and paterns are a fools erand ... to be unique u must be free of criticisem and dought ..people today dine on i hope u like me sad world we live in

[@bentoomet8805]

Diogenes, the original shit poster

[@isaacgloc1542]

He was just a bum fooling everybody lol

[@thebogangamer1]

kinda the point, he was just more devoted to thinking then making money and gaining material comforts.

[@GenerationX1984]

7:50 It's not possible to be free if you have a wife and children. It's true. Women nag and kids are a burden.