Diogenes of Sinope

(412?-323 BCE) A Greek cynic philosopher and social critic in the cities of Athens and Korinth (Corinth).

Diogenes was from Sinope on the Euxine (Black Sea); he led a simplistic, austere life he was said to have slept in an earthen tub (the Kernos) in the Sanctuary of the Mother of the Gods, Kybele (Cybele), at Athens; he was kidnapped while at sea and sold as a slave in the city of Korinth (Corinth); he is reputed to have said, “Sell me to that man, he needs a master.”

None of his work survives but quotes and commentary from other classical authors give us a hint as to his impact on his times; he was referred to as “Dog” or “The Dog.”

For a more complete biography and translation of his quoted works I suggest the book “7 Greeks” by Guy Davenport (ISBN 0811212882); this book can be found at your library in section 881 or you can order this book through the Book Shop on this site which is linked to Amazon.com.