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Why Did This Ancient Philosopher Live In a Barrel? Plus, Other Oddities About Diogenes The Cynic.

More fascinating than Aristotle? Maybe. If not wiser, more interesting.

Diogenes the Cynic (c.404-323 BC) might have been a counterfeiter in the ancient world. Or, that crime may’ve been his father’s. History’s murky.

What’s certain is Diogenes used the shame of this “restamping of coins” crime to make a name for himself. 

Took on a simple lifestyle. Like Henry David Thoreau, except he lived in a barrel vs. a cabin. Almost mocking materialism and the monetary system. Ironic.

He even wasted Alexander the Great’s offer to grant any wish he desired. “Stand out of my light,” was Diogenes’ wish.

  • Plato’s nickname for Diogenes.

  • What happened after he was kidnapped by pirates?

  • The philosopher’s response to Philip of Macedon’s call for war.

Thanks for reading,

Shane McLendon — Today’s Time Capsule writer

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