Upon arriving in Athens, Diogenes encountered Antisthenes. Numismatic evidence shows that the currency of Sinope was adulterated, but it is not certain that this was done by Diogenes. Diogenes was exiled from Sinope for adulterating the coinage one account says that his father was a money changer and defiled the coinage, another that he directed Diogenes to do it, and another that Diogenes went to an oracle who instructed him to defile the coinage.
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The primary source for information on Diogenes is the Lives of Eminent Philosophers written by Diogenes Laertius around 400 C.E. He is credited with establishing the tradition of Cynicism that was carried on by Crates and later became a foundation for Stoicism.ĭiogenes was held in high esteem by the people, who honored him at his death with a tombstone bearing a dog-an animal to which he often compared himself.ĭiogenes was born in Sinope (Sinop in modern-day Turkey) about 412 B.C.E. Many colorful and amusing stories are told about him. He emphasized action over words and thoughts, and disparaged theoretical philosophy, mathematics, astronomy and metaphysics as being removed from reality. Diogenes lived for a time in a tub, and wore only a cloak and carried a staff and a wallet containing his food, attire that became a Cynic trademark. He was known for his blatant disregard for social niceties and for the abrasive manner in which he spoke to people. Taking the precept that “virtue is the only good, all else is evil,” he practiced a life of ascetic self-sufficiency. He was exiled from Sinope for adulterating the currency and went to Athens, where he became a follower of Antisthenes. – 323 B.C.E.) was an ancient Greek philospher and one of the founders of the Cynics.
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Diogenes by John William Waterhouse, depicting his lamp, tub and diet of onions.ĭiogenes of Sinope (412 or 399 B.C.E.