Diogenes

I am Diogenes the Dog. I nuzzle the kind, bark at the greedy and bite scoundrels.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not afraid of death because I do not know what it is.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only way to live in a corrupt society is to be absolutely honest.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am searching for the bones of your father but cannot distinguish them from those of a slave.

4th century BCE — To a wealthy Athenian

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only true commonwealth is as wide as the universe.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am doing the same as you, only in a different way.

4th century BCE — When seen masturbating in public

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only way to be rich is to despise riches.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a dog because I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only free man is the one who has no fear of the tyrant.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only way to be happy is to be free, and the only way to be free is to be brave.

3rd century CE — From Diogenes Laertius' 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have nothing. Therefore, I am always rich.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, concerning his ascetic lifestyle.

Humorous Unverifiable

Why are you studying philosophy if you have no need of it?

c. 350 BCE — To a man who was studying philosophy.

Humorous Unverifiable

I have gained a kingdom, for I have learned to rule myself.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, concerning his self-sufficiency.

Humorous Unverifiable

The noblest thing is to be a master of oneself.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, concerning self-control.

Humorous Unverifiable

It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, concerning poverty and desire.

Humorous Unverifiable

I am a dog, belonging to no particular master, but to the gods.

c. 350 BCE — When asked if he was a dog.

Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest good is freedom from pleasure.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, concerning pleasure and virtue.

Humorous Unverifiable

When I see physicians, lawyers, and philosophers, I think man is the most unfortunate of animals; when I see priests and prophets, I think he is the most divine.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, reflecting on professions.

Humorous Unverifiable

The fewer my needs, the freer I am.

c. 350 BCE — Attributed, concerning his self-sufficiency.

Humorous Unverifiable

Sayings by Diogenes