Diogenes of Sinope Quotes on Knowledge
Diogenes of Sinope was an ancient Greek philosopher and one of the founders of the Cynic school. This page collects quotes attributed to Diogenes of Sinope on the topic of knowledge, drawn from across the philosopher's works.
Quotes
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Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.”
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Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“Of what use is a philosopher who doesn't hurt anybody's feelings?”
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Attributed to Diogenes of Sinope:
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”
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“When Alexander the Great addressed him with greetings, and asked if he wanted anything, Diogenes replied "Yes, stand a little out of my sunshine .”
From Plutarch , Alexander , 14. Cf. Diogenes Laërtius , vi. 38, Cicero , Tusculan Disputations , v. 32 -
“From Plutarch , Alexander , 14. Cf. Diogenes Laërtius , vi. 38, Cicero , Tusculan Disputations , v. 32”
When Alexander the Great addressed him with greetings, and asked if he wanted anything, Diogenes replied "Yes, stand a little out of my sunshine . -
“Plutarch , On Exile , 12 ( Moralia , 604D)”
Aristotle dines when it seems good to King Philip , but Diogenes when he himself pleases. -
“Plutarch , Moralia , 74C”
If you are to be kept right , you must possess either good friends or red-hot enemies . The one will warn you, the other will expose you. -
“On reaching Athens he fell in with Antisthenes. Being repulsed by him, because he never welcomed pupils, by sheer persistence Diogenes wore him out. Once when he stretched out his staff against him, the pupil offered his head with the words, "Strike, for you will find no wood hard enough to keep me away from you, so long as I think you've something to say.”
Diogenes Laërtius , vi. 21, -
“Diogenes Laërtius , vi. 21,”
On reaching Athens he fell in with Antisthenes. Being repulsed by him, because he never welcomed pupils, by sheer persistence Diogenes wore him out. Once when he stretched out his staff against him, the pupil offered his head with the words, "Strike, for you will find no wood hard enough to keep me away from you, so long as I think you've something to say. -
“Diogenes Laërtius , vi. 27”
Being asked where in Greece he saw good men , he replied, "Good men nowhere, but good boys at Sparta.