Diogenes the Cynic: Sayings and Anecdotes: With Other Popular Moralists

by Diogenes of Sinope

Diogenes said that Alexander was not content to be a man, but was too foolish* to be capable of being a god.

When asked how fathers and sons should behave toward one another, Diogenes said that they should not wait for one another to ask for something, but should grant it before needing to be asked. It is natural for the father, as one who has taken the lead in bestowing favours, to be quick to feel aggrieved if he is not well treated in return, while the son for his part is apt to become complacent, and not think it necessary to ask his father for something.

Diogenes said that, to come off well in life, one needs either good friends or ardent enemies; for friends instruct you, and enemies expose your faults.

‘If you’re well educated and keeping silent, you’re badly educated,* but if you’re ill-educated, you’ve plainly had a good education.’