There are stories of his quick wit and penetrating insight that left others (especially Plato) looking foolish. Despite this, (or possibly because of it) Diogenes got a reputation as one of the wisest philosophers in Greece. He shared the scraps with the dogs that followed him everywhere, including into Plato’s classes.

It probably didn’t help Diogenes’ case that he frequently ate whatever he could pick up off the ground. He relieved himself whenever and wherever he felt like it - including on Plato’s stool in his own academy. He argued loudly with Plato about philosophy, and would also periodically masturbate in public. He voluntarily threw away all his possessions - except for some rags to hide his nakedness and a wooden bowl for food and drink.ĭiogenes often sat in on Plato’s classes, eating as loudly as he could the whole time to disrupt the lessons. With no job, Diogenes adapted to the life of a homeless beggar. Almost as soon as he arrived, he seemed to have snapped. Young Diogenes made his way to Corinth in mainland Greece. That is until they were both exiled for adulterating the gold and silver content of the coins.

As a young man, he worked with his father minting currency for the colony. What we know for sure though, is that the ancient thinker was one of history’s weirdest people.ĭiogenes was born in either 412 or 404 B.C., in the very remote Greek colony of Sinope. Not much is known about the Greek philosopher Diogenes’ early life, but there is much speculation about it.

Wikimedia Commons Diogenes seated in his abode - an earthenware tub.

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