12: Misfits in History, Part 4: Diogenes - The Cynic of Sinope

In the fourth chapter of our Misfits in History series, we delve into the life of one of antiquity's most provocative philosophers, Diogenes of Sinope. With a birth shrouded in historical haze around 404 BC or perhaps 412 BC, and his final days spent in Corinth in 323 BC, Diogenes’s story is as enigmatic as it is enduring. This episode peels back the layers of the man who would come to embody Cynicism, challenging the social norms and philosophical schools of his time with a brazenness that would make him a figure of controversy and fascination for millennia. From his disdain for material possessions to his legendary encounters with Alexander the Great, Diogenes’s legacy is a testament to living one's truth, no matter how at odds it may be with societal expectations. As we recount tales of Diogenes’s life, from his time in a clay jar to his theatrical mockery of Athenian life, we explore what it means to be a true misfit - one who does not simply live outside the norm but actively disputes it. Discover why Diogenes’s philosophies remain relevant and how his cynicism laid the groundwork for countless discussions on ethics and happiness. Unearth more about the life and philosophies of Diogenes by visiting itshometownhistory.com. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts on this enigmatic figure. What does Diogenes’s brand of cynical wisdom inspire in you? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.