Diogenes of Sinope, Lest We Forget
Diogenes of Sinope, quite the philosopher! While sailing in the Aegian Sea, Diogenes was kidnapped by pirates and sold as a slave. While being auctioned, he was asked to tell about his skills. He said, "I can govern men. Therefore sell me to one who wants a master." Someone named Xeniades was so impressed with his spirit and character that he paid for his freedom. . He was banished from Sinope after debasing the currency. When someone reminded him that the people of Sinope had sentenced him to exile, he said, "And I sentenced them to stay at home." . He would carry around a lantern during the day, telling people he was looking for an honest man. Apparently he could only find "rascals and scoundrels." . Alexander the Great was once thrilled to meet Diogenes and asked if he could do him any favor. Unimpressed by the most powerful man in the world, Diogenes said, "Yes, stand out of my sunlight." Alexander once found him looking at a pile of huma...