Diogenes

Diogenes dīŏj´ənēz [key], c.412–323 BC, Greek Cynic philosopher; pupil of Antisthenes. He was born in Sinope and lived in Athens. He taught that the virtuous life is the simple life, and he dramatically discarded conventional comforts, living in a tub. He is said to have thrown away his last utensil, a cup, when he saw a peasant drink from his hands. When Alexander the Great asked what he might do for him, Diogenes said, Only step out of my sunlight. His daylight quest with a lantern for an honest man was probably the most striking expression of his contempt for his generation.

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