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Diogenes the Cynic (Wikipedia), also known as Diogenes of Sinope (c. 413/403–c. 324/321 BC), was an ancient Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynicism. Renowned for his ascetic lifestyle, biting wit, and radical critiques of social conventions, he became a legendary figure whose life and teachings have been recounted, often through anecdote, in both antiquity and later cultural traditions.
Born to a prosperous family in Sinope
His life took a dramatic turn following a scandal involving the defacement of coinage, an event that led to his exile and ultimately his radical rejection of conventional values. Embracing a life of poverty and self-sufficiency, he became famous for his unconventional behaviours that openly challenged societal norms, such as living in a jar or wandering public spaces with a lit lantern in daylight.
Diogenes advocated for a return to nature
Also, the renunciation of materialism, and introduced early ideas of cosmopolitanism by proclaiming himself a "citizen of the world". His memorable encounters, including a legendary exchange with Alexander the Great, along with various accounts of his death, have made him a lasting symbol of philosophical defiance to established authorities and artificial values.
He and his father were accused
In an episode that would later serve as a metaphor for his philosophical mission, he and his father were accused of "defacing the currency". Ancient sources differ on the details. According to Diocles of Magnesia, Hicesias was responsible for restamping the coinage, forcing his son into exile. In contrast, Eubulides claims that Diogenes himself committed the act and had to leave the city with his father.