The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Character

Diogenes of Sinope

The exiled coin-forger who made a barrel his house and rudeness his philosophy, shaming Athens into seeing its own pretensions.

major

Also known as The wise Diogenes, O Diogenes, Diogenes of Apollonia

First appearance: Diogenes

As a major figure in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, Diogenes of Sinope is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Insulted Aristippus for serving a tyrant; contrasted his own simple life with Aristippus's luxury.

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Diogenes of Sinope arrives in Athens as a fugitive — his father ran the public bank and adulterated the coinage — and attaches himself to Antisthenes with such pertinacity that even a raised stick cannot drive him off. He sleeps in a cask, doubles his cloak, carries a wallet, and answers the world's comforts with a mouse's example of needing nothing. His shamelessness is the engine of the Cynic succession, the living proof that virtue can be performed without argument, and the direct ancestor of Zeno's Stoicism.

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Aftermath
Closing

Monimus’s feigned madness and destruction of the money is the emotional and psychological peak because it dram…

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Diogenes of Sinope appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book II
Insulted Aristippus for serving a tyrant; contrasted his own simple life with Aristippus's luxury.
Aristippus
Called Aristippus 'the king's dog' and engaged in a famous exchange about washing vegetables versus serving a tyrant.
Book IV: The Successors of Plato
Appears briefly, mocking Speusippus for enduring life despite his paralysis.
Speusippus
Exchanged a harsh greeting with Speusippus, criticizing his endurance of life in a paralyzed state.
Book VI: The Cynics and the Rise of Stoicism
Prominent Cynic; lived in a tub; rejected liberal studies; emphasized virtue and self-sufficiency; said 'the peculiar property of the Gods to want nothing'; influenced by Antisthenes.
Antisthenes
Visited Antisthenes during his illness, offering a sword as a means to end suffering.
Diogenes
The central figure of the chapter, known for his Cynic philosophy, sharp wit, and ascetic lifestyle.
Monimus
Monimus's teacher; his excellence inspired Monimus to become his pupil.
Onesicritus
Teacher of Onesicritus and several other pupils mentioned in the chapter.
Crates
Mentioned as a fellow countryman of Crates and as the one who persuaded him to discard his estate.
Menedemus
Cynic philosopher cited for his sayings and lifestyle, including living in a tub and his view that wanting nothing makes one like the Gods.
Book VII: The Stoic Doctrine of Virtue and Indifferents
Cynic philosopher cited alongside Zeno and Chrysippus for the doctrine of community of women.
Diogenes of Apollonia
Native of Apollonia, son of Apollothemis, natural philosopher and pupil of Anaximenes, contemporary of Anaxagoras, unpopular at Athens.
Book X: Epicurus and the Pursuit of Pleasure
Cited as a source for Epicurean doctrines, particularly in the Select Discourses.
Epicurus
Cited as a source for Epicurean doctrines, e.g., in his Select Discourses and epitome.

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See Diogenes of Sinope in Diogenes

See Diogenes of Sinope in Book II