Konstantinos Bizanos

Diogenes the Cynic Philosopher

The word “cynic” (in Greek kynikos, or κυνικός, meaning “dog-like”), derives from the word κύων, or kynos, meaning ‘dog’ and was used to describe the dog-like behavior of Diogenes, who lived in the streets, sometimes eating raw meat and performing his natural bodily functions in public much like a dog.

Despite his eccentricities, Diogenes was a sage philosopher. His observations about life, politics, and society were amazingly spot-on although they were often expressed in offensive language.

Diogenes famously cared little about the opinions of others and did not care if the person standing before him was a king or a slave; he would treat everyone the same —poorly.

When his strange lifestyle and wise beliefs became known across Greece, people from around the ancient world traveled to meet the philosopher in person, either out of respect or curiosity.

Alexander the Great meets Diogenes

Alexander the Great, the famed Greek leader who spread Hellenism across the world, was an admirer of Diogenes. A student of ancient philosopher and scientist Aristotle, Alexander had a great respect for wise men like Diogenes, so he decided to meet the philosopher for himself.

He traveled to Corinth, where Diogenes was living at the time. Based on the accounts of Plutarch, the two men exchanged only a few words. Alexander came upon Diogenes as the philosopher was basking in the morning sunlight.

Thrilled to meet the famous thinker, Alexander asked if there was any favor he might do for him. To that, Diogenes replied:

“Move a little to the right; you are blocking my sun.”

Alexander then declared, “If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes.” This famous anecdote is known across the world.

About

Welcome to my personal website. My name is Konstantinos Bizanos. I am a mathematician. I have completed my undergraduate studies in mathematics and currently, I am pursuing my Master's Degree in Pure Mathematics at the University of Athens. The mathematical discipline that attracts me the most is Abstract Algebra, with a particular focus on Homological Algebra and Representation Theory.