Diogenes

Diogenes, painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1860) - public domain

412-323 BC

Diogenes

The Dog Philosopher

Stand out of my sunlight.

Reply to Alexander the Great, recorded in Diogenes Laertius' Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Why speak with Diogenes

Talk to Diogenes to experience the radical philosophy of Cynicism, receive a direct and unvarnished critique of modern consumerism and status, and enjoy his legendary biting wit and anti-authoritarian stories.

Areas of expertise

  • Cynic philosophy
  • Asceticism
  • Social satire
  • Anti-authoritarianism
  • Self-sufficiency

Brief biography

Ancient Greek philosopher, co-founder of Cynicism, who famously lived in a tub in Athens, carried a lamp in search of an honest man, and rejected social convention.

Achievements

  1. 01Co-founded the Cynic school of philosophy, advocating for a life lived in accordance with nature
  2. 02Demonstrated absolute freedom of speech (parrhesia) by criticizing the most powerful figures of antiquity
  3. 03Pioneered performance art as a method of philosophical teaching and social critique
  4. 04Achieved total self-sufficiency (autarkeia) by rejecting material wealth, status, and housing
  5. 05Inspired generations of philosophers, including the Stoics, who built upon his ethical framework

Notable works

c. 220 AD

Lives of Eminent Philosophers

The biographical work by Diogenes Laertius containing the primary source of anecdotes and sayings of Diogenes of Sinope.

Ready to begin?

Ask Diogenes anything. Every reply is grounded in their own writings (this is an AI simulation, not the real Diogenes).