Demetrius the Cynic Quotes
Demetrius the Cynic was a Greek philosopher of the first century AD and one of the most admired Cynics of the Roman period. Active in Rome and Greece, he was a close friend of Seneca, who praised his austere life and his unyielding frankness, and was banished from Rome by both Nero and Vespasian for his outspoken criticism of imperial luxury and tyranny. The quotes below are attributed to Demetrius the Cynic, organized by topic.
Demetrius the Cynic on Death
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Attributed to Demetrius the Cynic:
“It is foolish to fear what natural reason cannot avoid.”
Demetrius the Cynic on Freedom
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Attributed to Demetrius the Cynic:
“I prefer the bench under the open sky to the gilded ceiling of any palace.”
Demetrius the Cynic on Virtue
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Attributed to Demetrius the Cynic:
“Wealth is the enemy of virtue when it commands the heart.”
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Attributed to Demetrius the Cynic:
“The wise person owes nothing to fortune.”
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Attributed to Demetrius the Cynic:
“He who needs little is closer to the gods.”