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Diogenes of Sinope: The Man in the Tub
The life and teachings of Diogenes of Sinope, the Greek philosopher who gave rise to classical Cynicism, deserve careful consideration because of their relevance to contemporary ethical issues. The task of reconstructing the philosopher's life, however, is exceedingly difficult, because in his case, more than in those of other ancient philosophers, we must deal not only with the scarcity of reliable sources and testimonies, but also with the mountains of anecdotal and fictional accounts that are responsible for the creation of a veritable literary legend around the Cynic who once lived in a tub. This comprehensive study reconstructs his biography on the basis of classical and Arabic sources, identifies the main ideas and principles of his philosophy, and shows the application of his philosophical message for our contemporary world.
It also includes an extensively annotated translation of Diogenes Laertius' Life of Diogenes of Sinope, which is our principal source of information about the philosopher.
It also includes an extensively annotated translation of Diogenes Laertius' Life of Diogenes of Sinope, which is our principal source of information about the philosopher.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 27, 2024
Undoubtedly the wittiest and wildest philosopher I've ever heard of. The story of Diogenes and his beliefs is as fascinating as it is incredulous. Whether it be asking Alexander the Great to stand aside to let the sun through or walking through the day with a lamp in search of a "real human", the tales of Diogenes are abstract and fascinating. Further, the translation and presentation by author Navia really bring to light what Diogenes believed and did.
Despite the silliness, there is a deep universality in his message: "The main proposition of Diogenes’ Cynicism is then: live each moment as if it were the only moment of life. Diogenes lived as if the entire world were limited to what he could see and hear in his surroundings, as each morning he would emerge from his tub.”
Despite the silliness, there is a deep universality in his message: "The main proposition of Diogenes’ Cynicism is then: live each moment as if it were the only moment of life. Diogenes lived as if the entire world were limited to what he could see and hear in his surroundings, as each morning he would emerge from his tub.”
January 7, 2021
The book covers almost all the claims about the philosopher and discusses them. It also mentions both Antisthenes and later cynics, which I find very beneficial. So, this is my one of the favorite books, from now on.
October 27, 2007
Best book ever. If there were a fire, this would be the book I save.
I've always known no matter how unique we feel given the thousands of years people have been around someone has to have thought about things along at least similar lines. My favorite part has to be the "stadium". I won't spoil it.
I've always known no matter how unique we feel given the thousands of years people have been around someone has to have thought about things along at least similar lines. My favorite part has to be the "stadium". I won't spoil it.
September 11, 2011
aliii bod ..
February 17, 2026
READ FOR BOOK CLUB
I actually did a project on Diogenes in the eleventh grade. Of course, my presentation, in accordance with the little that I and most other people my age knew about the philosopher, was solely about his outrageous exploits and just how hilarious I found them.
After reading this book and digesting Diogenes' teachings, I have come to realize that he is undoubtedly, in my view, one of the most important thinkers of the ancient world. Not because of his teachings, or actions, or words, and certainly not his writings, of which he had none, but because of how he viewed the world and how he and his school of cynicism act as a grounding force for the greater philosophical ethos. Diogenes is the mortal enemy of hypocrisy, correctly identifying, as Navia puts it, the "smoke" around every aspect of society. He stands as a necessary counterbalance to the superficial nature of our world, continuing the work of Antisthenes as one of the founders of classic cynicism.
I make the distinction between classic cynicism and its modern variant, because, as clearly evident by the actions of its founders, cynicism was never a philosophy of despair or pessimism. Rather than sitting in a dark room woefully lamenting in their grievances against existence itself like many people imagine when conjuring the image of a cynic, Diogenes and his contemporaries dedicated their lives to creating change, challenging the unnatural nature of the very society they lived in. Cynicism is not the philosophy of laziness and pessimism, but the one of realization.
All different accounts of Diogenes' life as a historical figure, his ideas, and notes about his school of thought are masterfully assembled in a coherent, well-written package by Navia. I not only enjoyed all five chapters, but also have a much greater understanding of the Greek philosophical world. The author uses all different kinds of sources from Greek to Arabic to piece together the life and ideas of Diogenes, but also uses modern scholarly writings of opposing viewpoints to contextualize the philosopher's ideas in our world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to any person wanting to learn more about that one funny Greek philosopher who lived in a tub.
I actually did a project on Diogenes in the eleventh grade. Of course, my presentation, in accordance with the little that I and most other people my age knew about the philosopher, was solely about his outrageous exploits and just how hilarious I found them.
After reading this book and digesting Diogenes' teachings, I have come to realize that he is undoubtedly, in my view, one of the most important thinkers of the ancient world. Not because of his teachings, or actions, or words, and certainly not his writings, of which he had none, but because of how he viewed the world and how he and his school of cynicism act as a grounding force for the greater philosophical ethos. Diogenes is the mortal enemy of hypocrisy, correctly identifying, as Navia puts it, the "smoke" around every aspect of society. He stands as a necessary counterbalance to the superficial nature of our world, continuing the work of Antisthenes as one of the founders of classic cynicism.
I make the distinction between classic cynicism and its modern variant, because, as clearly evident by the actions of its founders, cynicism was never a philosophy of despair or pessimism. Rather than sitting in a dark room woefully lamenting in their grievances against existence itself like many people imagine when conjuring the image of a cynic, Diogenes and his contemporaries dedicated their lives to creating change, challenging the unnatural nature of the very society they lived in. Cynicism is not the philosophy of laziness and pessimism, but the one of realization.
All different accounts of Diogenes' life as a historical figure, his ideas, and notes about his school of thought are masterfully assembled in a coherent, well-written package by Navia. I not only enjoyed all five chapters, but also have a much greater understanding of the Greek philosophical world. The author uses all different kinds of sources from Greek to Arabic to piece together the life and ideas of Diogenes, but also uses modern scholarly writings of opposing viewpoints to contextualize the philosopher's ideas in our world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to any person wanting to learn more about that one funny Greek philosopher who lived in a tub.
August 6, 2026
New to Cynicism, I found this book great in discussing the key ideas brought forward through Diogenes of Sinope. Whether the stories are true or false is up for debate, but most importantly, I find them amusing. Similar to Stoicism for obvious reasons of stoicism deriving from cynicism. Some ideas are extreme, Diogenes’ actions are over the top. You can take away good points on how to live a simple and what virtues you can use to aid in that journey. I have taken away Diogenes self-discipline and admiration of how animals live a simple life. Eager to learn more. If you’re interested in Cynicism I would say it’s a great place to start with this book, who better to start the journey than none other ‘The Mad Socrates’
September 19, 2014
It's hard to find info on my favorite philosopher...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews