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Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Wisdom from the Early Cynics, Diogenes 12


The boys used to get by heart many passages from poets, historians, and the writings of Diogenes himself; and he would practice them in every short cut to a good memory. 

In the house too he taught them to wait upon themselves, and to be content with plain fare and water to drink. 

He used to make them crop their hair close and to wear it unadorned, and to go lightly clad, barefoot, silent, and not looking about them in the streets. 

He would also take them out hunting. 

They on their part had a great regard for Diogenes and made requests of their parents for him. The same Eubulus relates that he grew old in the house of Xeniades, and when he died was buried by his sons. 

—Diogenes Laërtius, 6.31 



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