Diogenes

This philosopher during the life of a legend. The rumor that turns him into a prophet, the swindler, the city and the hero crazy jokes. He did not create a solid teaching, but his whole life was an example of service philosophy. Ideal clinics Diogenes of Sinope city, nicknamed "Sky Dog".

Diogenes lived in the fourth century BC. We know that he was born to a high-ranking official in the city of Sinop on the territory of modern Turkey. When Diogenes was young it was caught in the minting of counterfeit coins, drove from their hometown. Diogenes did not deny his guilt, but what prompted this way a young man from a wealthy family? Legend has it that he started minting counterfeit money is not for profit, but because of the prophecy of the Delphic oracle.

When young Diogenes asked him a question what should be addressed in order to achieve success in life, the oracle replied, "remint coin." Diogenes took the prophecy literally. In fact, as stated in the same legend, the oracle meant something else: "ADAPT system of government."

Exiled from his native Sinope, Diogenes went to Athens, where he met with the Greek philosopher Antisthenes, the founder of the philosophy of Cynicism. Atisfen believed that a person needs to neglect long-held prejudices, and that he should be free from the laws of society, like a stray dog. "Dog" - in Greek "kinos", so called followers of the philosophy of Antisthenes Cynics. And the word "cynicism", which comes from the philosophical doctrine of the Cynics, in our time, has acquired a new meaning. Now it's not so much a rejection of the laws of society as established by the denial of morality and culture. Diogenes became the fanatical disciples of Antisthenes. Flat, that virtue is the lack of need and asceticism, Diogenes dismissed his only servant, which arrived in Athens, changed his clothes in rags, took rod and began to live on the street.

In winter, he slept on the stone steps, and in the summer heat was on the hot sand. Diogenes sought to become the living embodiment of an ideal Cynic. He even blamed his teacher that he should not own tenets and blamed Antisthenes pipe that does not hear his call.

Diogenes wandered through Greece, when asked where he came from, Diogenes replied: "I - a cosmopolitan citizen of the world." One day, alone and defenseless preacher was in the hands of pirates, they sold him into slavery Ksenaidu, wealthy residents of Corinth. Ksenaid became interested in unusual ideas of the philosopher and gave him training his sons.

Despite all the vicissitudes of life, Diogenes was true philosophy of Cynicism. Being a slave to his death, he valued the inner freedom that made him happy. In its austerity Diogenes extreme. One day, he saw a child drinking from a stream, scooping water palm. It is so impressed philosopher that he immediately threw out his miserable wallet cup, saying that one does not have anything personal that he has given to all from birth.

Cynic philosopher, called Heavenly Dog acted like a stray dog, ignoring the social laws and challenging the established traditions. On giving, Diogenes used to his home an old barrel. On a sunny day, he walked with a lantern, and when asked what he does, always the philosopher replied: "Wanted." People said to him: "Diogenes, you're an old man, is not it time for you to settle down?", To which he replied, "I'm getting closer to the finish, it's time to press on and not stop."

Their way of life, extraordinary wit and boundless energy, the ascetic philosopher find fame in Greece and abroad.

Legend has it that Alexander the Great , before going into the next campaign specifically sought a meeting with Diogenes. Finally, the commander saw the sage, relaxing in a cypress grove, near Corinth. Alexander went to the Almighty beggar philosopher and said, "Ask me anything you want." Then independent and sharp-tongued Diogenes said, "I do not overshadow the sun."

Historical records report that the philosopher lived to a ripe old age. Delphic oracle's prophecy was fulfilled, his life Diogenes shakes the foundations of society, he remint coin of public morality and became famous.

Cynic philosopher Diogenes of Sinope was the manner and character of a free and happy man. Even mighty Alexander the Great before his death said: "If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes."