Diogenes: A troll? A Philosopher?

We've all seen or heard of someone so unconventional that they leave a lasting impression on us. For me, Diogenes of Sinope is that someone. How could someone living in 400 BC affect our thinking to such a degree?

In this article I would like to state 3 notable incidents which give us a perspective into who diogenes really was?

The first incident occurred when Alexander the great came to visit diogenes, standing between diogenes and the sunlight, Alexander the great asked "Is there anything I could do for you?" Diogenes replied - "Yes, you could move out of the way, you are blocking my sunlight."

The second incident occured when Plato was conducting lectures in his school. Plato was asked how would he describe a man in few words. He described man as a Featherless biped - no feathers and walks on 2 legs, and in comes diogenes holding a chicken with all its feathers plucked screaming "Behold Plato's Man!".

The third incident occured when Diogenes saw a boy drinking water from a stream by cupping his hands. Diogenes who owned only one bowl, said "What a fool I am to carry such a superfluous baggage!", and tossed the bowl away.

These incidents show us that diogenes was a man with principles, humour, analytical thinking and a learning attitude. We don't really need to start living in a barrel to incorporate these qualities in our day-to-day life. Who would have thought a man living in a barrel in 400 BC still influence our lives today.