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The Dangerous Life and Ideas of Diogenes the Cynic
An engaging look at the founder of one of the most important philosophical schools of ancient Greece.
The ancient philosopher Diogenes--nicknamed "The Dog" and decried by Plato as a "Socrates gone mad"--was widely praised and idealized as much as he was mocked and vilified. A favorite subject of sculptors and painters since the Renaissance, his notoriety is equally due to his infamously eccentric behavior, scorn of conventions, and biting aphorisms, and to the role he played in the creation of the Cynic school, which flourished from the 4th century B.C. to the Christian era. In this book, Jean-Manuel Roubineau paints a new portrait of an atypical philosopher whose life left an indelible mark on the Western collective imagination and whose philosophy courses through various schools of thought well beyond antiquity.
Roubineau sifts through the many legends and apocryphal stories that surround the life of Diogenes. Was he, the son of a banker, a counterfeiter in his hometown of Sinope? Did he really meet Alexander the Great? Was he truly an apologist for incest, patricide, and anthropophagy? And how did he actually die? To answer these questions, Roubineau retraces the known facts of Diogenes' existence.
Beyond the rehashed clich?s, this book inspires us to rediscover Diogenes' philosophical legacy--whether it be the challenge to the established order, the detachment from materialism, the choice of a return to nature, or the formulation of a cosmopolitan ideal strongly rooted in the belief that virtue is better revealed in action than in theory.
The ancient philosopher Diogenes--nicknamed "The Dog" and decried by Plato as a "Socrates gone mad"--was widely praised and idealized as much as he was mocked and vilified. A favorite subject of sculptors and painters since the Renaissance, his notoriety is equally due to his infamously eccentric behavior, scorn of conventions, and biting aphorisms, and to the role he played in the creation of the Cynic school, which flourished from the 4th century B.C. to the Christian era. In this book, Jean-Manuel Roubineau paints a new portrait of an atypical philosopher whose life left an indelible mark on the Western collective imagination and whose philosophy courses through various schools of thought well beyond antiquity.
Roubineau sifts through the many legends and apocryphal stories that surround the life of Diogenes. Was he, the son of a banker, a counterfeiter in his hometown of Sinope? Did he really meet Alexander the Great? Was he truly an apologist for incest, patricide, and anthropophagy? And how did he actually die? To answer these questions, Roubineau retraces the known facts of Diogenes' existence.
Beyond the rehashed clich?s, this book inspires us to rediscover Diogenes' philosophical legacy--whether it be the challenge to the established order, the detachment from materialism, the choice of a return to nature, or the formulation of a cosmopolitan ideal strongly rooted in the belief that virtue is better revealed in action than in theory.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2023
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942 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 11, 2023
I've always had a soft spot for outcasts and true individualists. I was drawn early in life to writer/philosopher EM Cioran, the vagabond-writer Gorky and of course, Hermann Hesse (who isn't?). Diogenes comes across as one of the first modern sociologist who attempts to invert norms in societies by actively practicing a different lifestyle. He - alledgedly - began his life as a bankers son but was but had to flee his home city once his father was tried for counterfeiting (if only they could do that with today's central bankers!).
He proceeds to live a life as a mendicant philosopher, famously portrayed as living in a jar. His purpose was to show how societal norms are artificial and the dire need for people to return to some sort of state of nature. Although he lived an ascetic lifestyle, he was not against pleasure (unlike his teacher Anthisthenes). The chief goal of the cynic is to be psychologically free from detachment, ergo the life of a begger. To be completely free of the need for possessions is to be virtuous, which is the highest good according to the cynics.
I often found myself comparing Diogenes lifestyle to that of the Buddha and of the stoics but found that there is a greater deal of conceit here. Diogenes is more like a modern day standup comedian with an eccentric Weltanschuung which he proceeds to point out to other people at every time possible. Anecdotes from his life almost always contain a strong punchline. One of his disciples, Crates, used to open peoples door in order to pontificate on the virtues of the cynic life. This is perhaps also which I found the biography so funny. I was also drawn to the fact that Diogenes philosophy is all about living life and he therefore has a disdain for those thinkers who approach philosophy from a more academic perspective.
How can you not love a person who Plato called "Socrates gone mad"?
The biography also manages to capture some of the culture of ancient Greece. This period in history really marks a turning point which one can see with the advent of philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle as well as the founding of different schools of thought. The citizens of Athens must have liked Diogenes (or at least thought he was funny) given the fact that they paid to rebuild his jar once some kid broke it. I oftened wondered whether it would make an interesting film given how many of the anecdotes are almost zen-like. I mean: who manages to keep their equanimity while being captured by pirates to be sold as a slave and then have the audacity to point a person at the market and say: this man needs a master!
There are many, many anecdotes about his life which seem apocraphyl but which this author claims to be true. Given how long ago he lived it is hard to tell. It was certainly a entertaining read (as well as a short one).
He proceeds to live a life as a mendicant philosopher, famously portrayed as living in a jar. His purpose was to show how societal norms are artificial and the dire need for people to return to some sort of state of nature. Although he lived an ascetic lifestyle, he was not against pleasure (unlike his teacher Anthisthenes). The chief goal of the cynic is to be psychologically free from detachment, ergo the life of a begger. To be completely free of the need for possessions is to be virtuous, which is the highest good according to the cynics.
I often found myself comparing Diogenes lifestyle to that of the Buddha and of the stoics but found that there is a greater deal of conceit here. Diogenes is more like a modern day standup comedian with an eccentric Weltanschuung which he proceeds to point out to other people at every time possible. Anecdotes from his life almost always contain a strong punchline. One of his disciples, Crates, used to open peoples door in order to pontificate on the virtues of the cynic life. This is perhaps also which I found the biography so funny. I was also drawn to the fact that Diogenes philosophy is all about living life and he therefore has a disdain for those thinkers who approach philosophy from a more academic perspective.
How can you not love a person who Plato called "Socrates gone mad"?
The biography also manages to capture some of the culture of ancient Greece. This period in history really marks a turning point which one can see with the advent of philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle as well as the founding of different schools of thought. The citizens of Athens must have liked Diogenes (or at least thought he was funny) given the fact that they paid to rebuild his jar once some kid broke it. I oftened wondered whether it would make an interesting film given how many of the anecdotes are almost zen-like. I mean: who manages to keep their equanimity while being captured by pirates to be sold as a slave and then have the audacity to point a person at the market and say: this man needs a master!
There are many, many anecdotes about his life which seem apocraphyl but which this author claims to be true. Given how long ago he lived it is hard to tell. It was certainly a entertaining read (as well as a short one).
September 26, 2023
An impressively readable scholarly treatment
This is a brief but rather extensive biography of Diogenes Of Sinope. Given how fragmentary or apocryphal most of the sources on Diogenes are outside of Diogenes Laërtius, Roubineau creates a very readable narrative that also deals with the most likely true elements of Diogenes the Cynic life as well as noting narrative that are definitely later additions. Given that Cynicism is a philosophy rooted in a hagiography and emblematic anecdote, this is no.small task. This edition is translated into very readable English.
This is a brief but rather extensive biography of Diogenes Of Sinope. Given how fragmentary or apocryphal most of the sources on Diogenes are outside of Diogenes Laërtius, Roubineau creates a very readable narrative that also deals with the most likely true elements of Diogenes the Cynic life as well as noting narrative that are definitely later additions. Given that Cynicism is a philosophy rooted in a hagiography and emblematic anecdote, this is no.small task. This edition is translated into very readable English.
December 26, 2023
“Alexander himself went to see him and found him stretched out in the sun. At the approach of so many people, Diogenes sat up a little and fixed his eyes on Alexander. And when the king greeted him and asked him if there was anything that he wanted, he said, ‘Yes, that you should stand a little out of my sun.’” Plutarch, Life of Alexander, 14.1-3
There’s a widely accepted chain of transmission for ancient Greek thought – that Socrates taught Antisthenes who taught Diogenes who taught Crates who taught Zeno – thus drawing a straight line from Socratic to Cynic to Stoic philosophies.
Roubineau has written a good, small book on the life and thoughts of Diogenes the Cynic. I started to read (well, skim) Robin Hard’s (2012) Diogenes the Cynic: Sayings and Anecdotes but didn’t finish it. I’ll go back to it again one day.
Little is known with any certainty about Diogenes because there are precious few sources concerning his life and works, and they are rife with contradictions. Also, many apocryphal stories about Diogenes are repeated time and again in histories written by people who either idolized or despised him.
Roubineau does his best to separate the wheat from the chaff, offer his own qualified opinions, and let you know when we simply do not know something. It’s as even-handed a summary of his life, times, and works as you are likely to find.
There’s a widely accepted chain of transmission for ancient Greek thought – that Socrates taught Antisthenes who taught Diogenes who taught Crates who taught Zeno – thus drawing a straight line from Socratic to Cynic to Stoic philosophies.
Roubineau has written a good, small book on the life and thoughts of Diogenes the Cynic. I started to read (well, skim) Robin Hard’s (2012) Diogenes the Cynic: Sayings and Anecdotes but didn’t finish it. I’ll go back to it again one day.
Little is known with any certainty about Diogenes because there are precious few sources concerning his life and works, and they are rife with contradictions. Also, many apocryphal stories about Diogenes are repeated time and again in histories written by people who either idolized or despised him.
Roubineau does his best to separate the wheat from the chaff, offer his own qualified opinions, and let you know when we simply do not know something. It’s as even-handed a summary of his life, times, and works as you are likely to find.
April 1, 2024
This is a translation of a French book about the life and philosophy of Diogenes the Cynic. It's a thin volume, as there is much that's unknown about the life of Diogenes, and the dearth of surviving texts means that some of what is believed about Diogenes and Cynic philosophy maybe corrupted by the reports of detractors. I learned a great deal from reading this book, but not because I learned much new about Diogenes, himself. The colorful anecdotes from his life have been extensively discussed.
With respect to what I did learn, it largely fell into three categories. First, I gained insight into the context and environment in which Diogenes lived. Second, I discovered that many of the stories of Diogenes' life are far less certain than we have been led to believe through the presentations of them in so many books. For example, we know Diogenes was exiled from his native Sinope in relation to a scheme involving currency debasement. This is often straightforwardly stated as "Diogenes was a counterfeiter," but Roubineau shows that we don't know much (if anything) about the degree to which Diogenes was involved (i.e. whether he was mastermind, accomplice, or an unwitting pawn.) Third, I benefited from the comparing and contrasting of Cynic philosophy with that of predecessors (e.g. Socratics) and successors (e.g. Stoics,) and - in a few cases - comparisons between Diogenes and other Cynics.
The book consists of four chapters. The first is a discussion of what is known about Diogenes as a historical figure. The second focuses on the Cynics views on economy, wealth, and related ideas. The third explores the Cynic view of the human body and related topics like sex, pleasure, and pursuit of health and well-being. The last chapter considers Diogenes as a teacher and the Cynic approach to practicing philosophy.
I'd highly recommend this book for readers interested in philosophy.
With respect to what I did learn, it largely fell into three categories. First, I gained insight into the context and environment in which Diogenes lived. Second, I discovered that many of the stories of Diogenes' life are far less certain than we have been led to believe through the presentations of them in so many books. For example, we know Diogenes was exiled from his native Sinope in relation to a scheme involving currency debasement. This is often straightforwardly stated as "Diogenes was a counterfeiter," but Roubineau shows that we don't know much (if anything) about the degree to which Diogenes was involved (i.e. whether he was mastermind, accomplice, or an unwitting pawn.) Third, I benefited from the comparing and contrasting of Cynic philosophy with that of predecessors (e.g. Socratics) and successors (e.g. Stoics,) and - in a few cases - comparisons between Diogenes and other Cynics.
The book consists of four chapters. The first is a discussion of what is known about Diogenes as a historical figure. The second focuses on the Cynics views on economy, wealth, and related ideas. The third explores the Cynic view of the human body and related topics like sex, pleasure, and pursuit of health and well-being. The last chapter considers Diogenes as a teacher and the Cynic approach to practicing philosophy.
I'd highly recommend this book for readers interested in philosophy.
January 13, 2025
Resources on Diogenes of Sinope are limited. This new book provides a quick summary of Diogenes' life. Much of the useful content comes from the author's triangulation of sources to separate reasonable attributions from the rumors, exaggerations, and misinformation recorded well after Diogenes' death. I enjoyed The Dangerous Life and Ideas of Diogenes the Cynic and recommend it to those interested in the Dog.
Personally, if forced to select one book on Diogenes for my collection, I would choose Diogenes the Cynic: Sayings and Anecdotes with Other Popular Moralists (Hard, 2012) over Roubineau's effort. Luckily, I needn't pick one over the other. Roubineau does give a nod to Hard's entry, as Hard directly presents Diogenes' hilarious and witty banter with context. Roubineau's book covers some of that same context, but injects enough new exegesis to warrant the time commitment of a perusal.
Personally, if forced to select one book on Diogenes for my collection, I would choose Diogenes the Cynic: Sayings and Anecdotes with Other Popular Moralists (Hard, 2012) over Roubineau's effort. Luckily, I needn't pick one over the other. Roubineau does give a nod to Hard's entry, as Hard directly presents Diogenes' hilarious and witty banter with context. Roubineau's book covers some of that same context, but injects enough new exegesis to warrant the time commitment of a perusal.
October 3, 2023
"Mild" ce livre est moyen hors pour un livre sur Diogène c'est assez dommage, l'auteur est presque inutile c'est lassant il reprend les expressions de Diogène les pensées et les bons mots mais n'apporte pas grand chose en plus à part quelque context et remise en situation historique, bon point il présente toujours plusieurs versions mais il manque un quelque chose pour en faire un bon livre du moins pour moi, ce livre reste trop à la superficie puis le personnage même de Diogène passer un certain amusement, d'accord il est sage et ses manies on un but mais si à chaque fois avec tout le monde il y a un reproche ou un problème même avec tout, avec l'existence même. C'est un bon ouvrage pour une lecture superficielle à la va vite mais limiter et lise pour un ouvrage de la PUF (presse universitaire française). Okay intéressant mais sans plus.
March 30, 2025
A key greek philosopher everyone knows two stories about, the one with Alexander's shadow and the plucked chicken. This biography did a good job at widening that picture and establishing that Diogenes had a bigger output and reputation - the problem with which is that virtually nothing of that output remains. Thus a lot of the debates surround to what extent the anecdotes and secondary sources should be taken at face value, and the book has a good discussion on the relevant timelines and norms that suggest what could be real. Given how little information from the man himself survived (mostly some aphorisms and anecdotes recounted by others), this was as thorough as you could expect.
January 16, 2025
This is a fantastic little trot through the highly idiosyncratic life of the quintessential Cynic. It is hard not to love such an obstinate figure, whose lack of respect and decorum is repaid by his self-abasement and equitability. I really hope that of the many rumours surrounding his death, the one about him dying from the consumption of raw octopus (in an attempt to disprove the necessity of cooking) is true, as this would provide a perfect, final dose of comedy to the hilarious and enlivening man.
"If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!"
Five stars.
"If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!"
Five stars.
October 16, 2025
I came by a story of Diogenes by accident and I really wanted to know more about this person and what was going through his head what kind of man he was and the way he was thinking about life.
I feel like the author really captured the philosopher's spirit and I feel like the work is complete I don't need to look for more on him some other place. at least for me this book was more than enough on Diogenes life.
It even inspired me to take a look at my own life a little bit more carefully and what I put value in.
I feel like the author really captured the philosopher's spirit and I feel like the work is complete I don't need to look for more on him some other place. at least for me this book was more than enough on Diogenes life.
It even inspired me to take a look at my own life a little bit more carefully and what I put value in.
November 8, 2025
The Ancient Greeks seem to anticipate all main possibilities for living as a human; and Diogenes the Cynic embodied in his life and teachings one of the most extreme possibilities. The problem with this book is that its French academic author is more preoccupied with what is likely or unlikely true, how should we moderns perceive such a life and teaching, and how Diogenes should be properly classified; instead of trying to get a grip at what Diogenes life meant - either in its reality or legacy.
October 23, 2023
Succinct, well written and translated, easy fast read. Though not showing detailed expounded philosophies, still manages to illustrate the overall philosophy of the early Cynics and Diogenese as applied to various aspects of life. Also does a good job in bringing to life a historical personage of which much has been said but little was made clear.
January 12, 2025
Fairly short and concise dive into the available literature regarding Diogenes. Author makes sure to clarify and differentiate between what's likely true versus what might have been mythologized after.
My impression before reading this book is that online people tend to mystify Diogenes with infinite wisdom and unending resilience. After reading the book, it gives a much more human face to the person. Someone who like everyone else has flaws, but whose somewhat odd and intriguing choices in life offer some valuable lessons to learn from.
My impression before reading this book is that online people tend to mystify Diogenes with infinite wisdom and unending resilience. After reading the book, it gives a much more human face to the person. Someone who like everyone else has flaws, but whose somewhat odd and intriguing choices in life offer some valuable lessons to learn from.
May 20, 2024
excellent read
In this excellent biography of Diogenes Roubineau brings the philosopher to life. He describes relationships with others before and after, and points out both fact and probable fiction.
In this excellent biography of Diogenes Roubineau brings the philosopher to life. He describes relationships with others before and after, and points out both fact and probable fiction.
January 7, 2025
This book was a bit random in the direction category. Mentions a lot of info, but doesn't delve very far into anything, instead referencing tons of footnotes. Dense for beginners, but not length or deep enough for real study.
May 25, 2025
An Excellent Resource!
Very well done. I borrowed this from the library, but I think I'll pick up a copy of my own when I can. An invaluable condensation of what has come down through time of the dog. There is much to be learnt from his ways.
Very well done. I borrowed this from the library, but I think I'll pick up a copy of my own when I can. An invaluable condensation of what has come down through time of the dog. There is much to be learnt from his ways.
January 8, 2024
Diogenes, founder of cynicism, is the most extreme philosopher to have ever lived. This is a fantastic book about him, though admittedly the selection is very small.
February 21, 2025
Nice quick overview of Diogenes for someone just wanting to get the basics.
April 13, 2025
Detailed overview of Diogenes - the philosopher who practiced what he subversively preached
April 20, 2025
A great introduction to a polarising philosopher. An easy read as well.
April 22, 2025
This is a brief and engaging introduction to the life and thought of the Greek Cynic Diogenes. Perfect for anyone curious about the man.
May 28, 2025
This book made me doubt if Diogenes really existed or was propoganda, but if he did exist, he is the best contrarian
June 23, 2025
Funny dog man
July 10, 2025
Good book, I wish I could give it a 3.5.
October 31, 2025
Bit of an odd chap that I couldn’t agree with in 99% of cases but nobody can not have some inkling of respect for a man who can wave off such a figure like Alexander so unapologetically.
December 28, 2024
3.7/4
I love Diogenes and his philosophy. I think that there is so much to learn from him. I just don’t know if it is 4 stars.
I love Diogenes and his philosophy. I think that there is so much to learn from him. I just don’t know if it is 4 stars.
January 8, 2025
4.5*
Diogenes is the 1977 Johnny Rotten of Ancient Greece, vulgar, funny, subversive and grubby.
Diogenes is the 1977 Johnny Rotten of Ancient Greece, vulgar, funny, subversive and grubby.
January 17, 2021
Plus superficiel que j'aurais cru. Le livre dresse un portrait assez complet de la vie du philosophe, mais ne s'attarde pas assez à sa philosophie à mon goût. Une belle introduction à la philo des cyniques et, par la bande, des stoïques.
September 3, 2021
J'ai beaucoup aimé ! je trouve cet homme au revers de tout conformisme assez drôle et génial !
En plus on se plonge dans la grèce ancienne et on voyage un peu dans la culture de l'époque.
En plus on se plonge dans la grèce ancienne et on voyage un peu dans la culture de l'époque.
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