Dialogues · Chapter
XXXVIII explained
This chapter presents examples of how wise men respond to insults with restraint and wit, contrasting the Stoic philosopher Diogenes and the Roman statesman Cato, who both faced public humiliation without anger.
What happens
This chapter presents examples of how wise men respond to insults with restraint and wit, contrasting the Stoic philosopher Diogenes and the Roman statesman Cato, who both faced public humiliation without anger.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the argumen…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Anger and Self-Control
The chapter illustrates the ideal Stoic response to insult: neither succumbing to anger nor ignoring the offense, but responding with measured wisdom and wit.
Characters to notice
- Diogenes
A Stoic philosopher who, when spat upon while lecturing on anger, responded mildly and wisely, saying he was not angry but uncertain whether he should be.
- Marcus Cato
When spat upon by Lentulus while pleading, Cato wiped his face and wittily declared that men are mistaken in saying Lentulus lacks cheek.
Key passages
“I am not angry, but I am not sure that I ought not to be angry.”
Diogenes acknowledges his lack of anger while questioning whether the insult warrants it, showing self-restraint and philosophical reflection.
This response exemplifies the Stoic practice of examining one's emotions before acting.
“Lentulus, I shall declare to all the world that men are mistaken when they say that you are wanting in cheek.”
Cato turns the insult into a witty retort, implying that Lentulus has plenty of audacity, thus defusing the situation with humor.
Cato's reply demonstrates how a wise person can respond to provocation without anger, using cleverness instead.
