Wisdom from the Early Cynics, Diogenes 11

And Diogenes said he marveled that before we buy a jar or dish we try whether it rings true, but if it is a man are content merely to look at him. 

To Xeniades who purchased him he said, "You must obey me, although I am a slave; for, if a physician or a steersman were in slavery, he would be obeyed." 

Eubulus in his book entitled The Sale of Diogenes tells us that this was how he trained the sons of Xeniades. After their other studies he taught them to ride, to shoot with the bow, to sling stones and to hurl javelins. 

Later, when they reached the wrestling school, he would not permit the master to give them full athletic training, but only so much as to heighten their color and keep them in good condition. 

—Diogenes Laërtius, 6.30 

IMAGE: Giovanni Battista Langetti, Diogenes (c. 1660)