On reaching Athens, he [Diogenes] came under the influence of Antisthenes. Being rejected by him, because he never welcomed disciples, Diogenes wore him out by sheer persistence. Once, when Antisthenes stretched out his staff against him, Diogenes offered his head with the words, "Strike, for you will find no wood hard enough to keep me away from you, so long as I think that you have something to say." From that time on he was his disciple, and, exile as he was, set out upon a simple life. (6.21)
