Diogenes
Diogenes (412?–323 B.C.), a Greek philosopher. A follower of the Cynic school of philosophy, Diogenes scorned pretense and unessential possessions. He kept only his cloak, purse, and wooden bowl, declaring that the more a man had the greater were his wants. Seeing a boy drink from the hollow of his hand, Diogenes is said to have even thrown away his bowl. He supposedly lived in an empty tub and walked through the streets of Athens with a lantern in broad daylight. On being asked what he was looking for, the story goes, he replied, “I am seeking an honest man.”
Alexander the Great is said to have visited Diogenes at Corinth. When Alexander asked what he could do for him, Diogenes is reported to have asked him to move, since he was blocking the sunlight. Impressed with the Cynic's self-possession, Alexander cried, “If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!”
Diogenes was born at Sinope in Asia Minor. He and his father were exiled after being accused of counterfeiting money. Diogenes traveled to Athens, where he became a disciple of Antisthenes, founder of the Cynic school. On a voyage from Athens to Aegina, Diogenes was seized by pirates and sold as a slave to a wealthy citizen of Corinth. His master was so impressed with his learning that he set him free.