The New Student's Reference Work/Diogenes

Diogenes (dī̇-ŏj′ē̇-nē̇z), a famous Greek philosopher, lived from about 412 to 323 B. C. He and his father were caught adulterating coins, and compelled to leave their native city of Sinope. He went to Athens, where he got rid of all of his dress and furniture, except his cloak and purse and a wooden bowl, because he believed the more things a man has the greater are his wants. He even threw away the bowl, when he saw a boy drinking from the hollow of his hand. He went to Cynosarges, where he lived in a cask, and in order to harden himself he used to roll in hot sand in summer, and in winter he embraced snow-covered statues. He afterward made a voyage and was captured by pirates, who sold him as a slave in Crete. His master took him to Corinth to conduct the education of his children, and he became famous there. Once Alexander the Great came to see him at Corinth and asked him if there was any favor he could do him. Diogenes replied that the only thing Alexander could do for him was not to stand between him and the sun. Alexander was so struck with his answer, that he is said to have cried: “If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.” Diogenes died at Corinth, and a pillar was erected to his memory.