Diogenes

This passage is about the Greek philosopher, Diogenes.

Lexile Level: 640L

Categories: History People & Places

Diogenes was a Greek philosopher. He is known as Diogenes the Cynic. He was born in what is modern-day Turkey. He lived from 412 B.C. to 323 B.C. He lived in the Greek city of Athens. He thought that a simple life of poverty was the most virtuous life. To him, much of society was foolish and artificial. The natural state of man was preferable to him. He lived in a tub outdoors, even in cold weather. His philosophy, cynicism, comes from the Greek word for "dog." To the Greeks, he and his followers lived like dogs. None of his writings survived, even though he is said to have written several books. He is known by the stories and sayings attributed to him. He is most famous for carrying a lantern in the daytime on his quest to find one "honest man." He has been depicted in many paintings and sculptures since ancient times.