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Monday, January 8, 2024

Wisdom from the Early Cynics, Diogenes 26


Once Diogenes saw the officials of a temple leading away someone who had stolen a bowl belonging to the treasurers, and said, "The great thieves are leading away the little thief." 

Noticing a lad one day throwing stones at a gallows, "Well done," he said, "you will hit your mark." 

When some boys clustered round him and said, "Take care he doesn't bite us," he answered, "Never fear, boys, a dog does not eat beetroot." 

To one who was proud of wearing a lion's skin his words were, "Leave off dishonoring the habiliments of courage." 

When someone was extolling the good fortune of Callisthenes and saying what splendor he shared in the suite of Alexander, "Not so," said Diogenes, "but rather ill fortune; for he breakfasts and dines when Alexander thinks fit." 

—Diogenes Laërtius, 6.45 



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