Philosophy, from ancient times to the present, has always encompassed a rich variety of schools of thought, from Stoicism to nihilism. These ideas help us reflect on the world and our own selves, but at times they can become overly complex and difficult to grasp. However, one Greek philosopher brought a unique and challenging perspective to contemporary society: Diogenes, the founder of Cynicism.
Diogenes was a distinct and eccentric philosopher. Born around 400 BC in Sinope, a Greek colony (now in Turkey), he is famous for his unconventional lifestyle and extraordinary actions. Unlike other philosophers, who were often revered by the public and lived by high moral standards, Diogenes chose an ascetic life that defied all social norms. He lived in a large ceramic jar, begged for food to survive, and did not hesitate to engage in actions that others considered rude or even offensive.
Diogenes may be seen as a “mad” philosopher by many, but in reality, he is one of the most unique and influential thinkers of ancient Greece.
Diogenes’s behavior often left people stunned. He satisfied his “special” needs in public, from eating to urinating, with the simple reasoning: what is not shameful in private should not be shameful in public. When insulted or mocked, Diogenes did not get angry; instead, he responded with unexpected actions. Once, when a man threw a bone at him, as one would insult a dog, Diogenes replied by urinating on the bone and calmly asked the man: “Why call me a dog but be surprised when I act like one?”
Diogenes’s lifestyle and philosophy were not merely a form of social opposition. In fact, he aimed to demonstrate that people, particularly the intellectual and upper classes, had become ensnared in artificial values and unnecessary rules, distancing them from the true essence of life. He believed that life could be much simpler if we were not constrained by complex social conventions.
Diogenes rejected all material possessions, lived in a jar, begged, and even urinated in public to show disdain for social norms.
A famous story illustrating Diogenes’s viewpoint is his confrontation with the philosopher Parmenides. Parmenides argued philosophically that motion could not exist, for if it did, it would have to arise from nothingness. To refute this theory, instead of engaging in a debate, Diogenes simply stood up and walked away, proving the existence of motion through his actions.
In addition to opposing social norms, Diogenes had profound views on human freedom and autonomy. He believed that happiness does not come from wealth or status, but from living a simple life in harmony with nature and oneself. For Diogenes, simple pleasures such as the warmth of the sun or the joy of living freely, unbound by anything, were the most valuable aspects of life.
Diogenes believed that happiness does not come from material possessions but from liberating oneself from desires and material needs.
He championed individual freedom and opposed all forms of slavery, whether material or spiritual. Diogenes continuously sought truth and honesty, regardless of the consequences.
One of Diogenes’s most striking acts was wandering through the marketplace in Athens during the day with a lantern, claiming that he was “looking for an honest man.” In doing so, he implied that those around him had lost their humanity and become estranged from core human values. This reflected his deep criticism of Athenian society, where people were caught up in the pursuit of fame and material wealth.
Diogenes’s life serves as a reminder of the core values of humanity and the importance of not being swept away by superficial materialism.
Though Diogenes’s life may seem mad, it is underpinned by a profound philosophy of freedom and self-sufficiency. He sought not only to highlight societal flaws but also to encourage people to live their own way, take ownership of their lives, and not depend on others’ approval. By leading a simple life and challenging all prejudices, Diogenes became a symbol of absolute freedom and authenticity in life.
Diogenes passed away in 323 BC, but his stories and philosophy live on. His Cynicism profoundly influenced many later philosophical schools, particularly Stoicism. The life and thoughts of Diogenes remind us of simplicity, authenticity, and, most importantly, the capacity for free thought and living unbound by rigid social molds.
