Diogenes of Oenoanda Quotes
Diogenes of Oenoanda was an Epicurean philosopher of the second century AD who, in old age and at his own expense, had a long Epicurean inscription carved on the columned wall of a stoa in his Lycian hometown so that it might be read by his fellow citizens and by future generations. Recovered piecewise by archaeologists since the late nineteenth century, his Inscription remains the most extensive Epicurean text we possess from antiquity. The quotes below are attributed to Diogenes of Oenoanda, organized by topic.
Diogenes of Oenoanda on Death
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Oenoanda:
“Death is nothing to us; what is dispersed has no sensation.”
Diogenes of Oenoanda on God
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Oenoanda:
“The gods are blessed and incorruptible, and busy themselves with no human affairs.”
Diogenes of Oenoanda on Happiness
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Oenoanda:
“I have inscribed this stoa for those who are now and for those who will be, that you may not be alone in the search for happiness.”
Diogenes of Oenoanda on Knowledge
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Oenoanda:
“Let no man be ashamed to learn philosophy at any age, for the soul has no late and no early.”
Diogenes of Oenoanda on Love
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Oenoanda:
“The pleasures of friendship are the most enduring of pleasures.”