Portrait of Diogenes

Diogenes

Cynic philosopher

Ancient influential 91 sayings

Sayings by Diogenes

I have nothing to do with the laws of Athens, or any other laws, but with the laws of nature.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, concerning his rejection of societal norms.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

He lit a lamp in broad daylight and said, as he went about, 'I am looking for a human being.'

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Seeing a young man blush, he said, 'Courage, my boy; that is the complexion of virtue.'

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
General Unverifiable

He was once asked what was the most beautiful thing in the world. He replied, 'Freedom of speech.'

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
General Unverifiable

To a man who was commending him for his hardiness, he said, 'I have no need of your praise, for I am a god.'

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

He used to say that there were two kinds of education, one of the soul and one of the body.

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
General Unverifiable

He used to say that the only way to be happy was to be free, and the only way to be free was to be a Cynic.

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
General Unverifiable

He used to say that the most beautiful thing in the world was the universe, for it was the work of God.

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
Work & Money Unverifiable

He used to say that the most beautiful thing in the world was the discourse of a wise philosopher.

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
General Unverifiable

He used to say that the most beautiful thing in the world was the silence of a thoughtful man.

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
General Unverifiable

He used to say that the most beautiful thing in the world was the goodness of a benevolent man.

c. 350 BCE — Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers
General Unverifiable
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