Diogenes of Sinope (redirected from Diogenes the dog)

Diogenes of Sinope

(born , Sinope, Paphlygonia—died c. 320 BC, probably Corinth) Greek philosopher, principal member of the Cynics. He is credited by some with originating the Cynic way of life, but he himself acknowledged his debt to Antisthenes (c. 445–365 BC). He conveyed the Cynic philosophy by personal example rather than through any system of thought. He strove to destroy social conventions (including family life) as a way of returning to a “natural” life. To this end he lived as a vagabond pauper, sleeping in public buildings and begging for food. He also advocated shamelessness (performing harmless unconventional actions), outspokenness, and training in austerity.