Diogenes of Sinope Quotes
Diogenes of Sinope was an ancient Greek philosopher and one of the founders of the Cynic school. After his exile from Sinope on the Black Sea coast he settled in Athens, where he lived in deliberate poverty and used public spectacle to expose what he took to be the folly of conventional values. The quotes below are attributed to Diogenes of Sinope, organized by topic.
Diogenes of Sinope on Freedom
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“Stand a little less between me and the sun.”
Diogenes of Sinope on Happiness
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“He has the most who is most content with the least.”
Diogenes of Sinope on Knowledge
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.”
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“Of what use is a philosopher who doesn't hurt anybody's feelings?”
Diogenes of Sinope on Politics
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“I am a citizen of the world.”
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“The mob is the mother of tyrants.”
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”
Diogenes of Sinope on Virtue
-
Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“I am looking for an honest man.”