Have you heard about Diogenes, “the Cynic”? He was a Greek philosopher born (412 BC) in Sinope, an Ionian colony on the Black Sea, and dead (323 BC) at Corinth. Details of his life come in the form of anecdotes (“chreia”) from Diogenes Laërtius, in his book The Lives of Eminent Philosophers.
Diogenes was a self-appointed public scold whose mission was to demonstrate to the ancient Greeks that civilization is regressive. He taught by living example that wisdom and happiness belong to the man who is independent of society. Diogenes scorned not only family and political social organization, but property rights and reputation.
Many anecdotes of Diogenes refer to his dog-like behavior, and his praise of a dog’s virtues. It is not known whether Diogenes was insulted with the epithet “doggish” and made a virtue of it, or whether he first took up the dog theme himself. The modern terms cynic and cynical derive from the Greek word kynikos, the adjective form of kyon, meaning dog.
Diogenes was a playful philosopher who liked to use great wit when challenging the values and beliefs of his fellow citizens in ancient Athens. He disdained all forms of luxury and lived in extreme poverty because of his determination to follow his own dictates and not to adhere to the social conventions.
Now enough about his life (for more, visit Wikipedia), let me tell tell you a great thought provoking anecdote. An anecdote about the only thing money can’t buy.
Diogenes was asked, “Tell me, to what do you attribute your great poverty?”
“Hard work”, he replied.
“And what advice can you offer the rich?”
“Avoid all the good things in life.”
“Why?”
“Because money costs too much. A rich man is far poorer than a poor man.”
“How can that be?”
“Because poverty is the only thing money can’t buy.“
