Diogenes of Sinope
~412–323 BCE · Greek · Classical Athens
Known for: Lived in a barrel, told Alexander the Great to stop blocking his sunlight, and masturbated in public to prove a philosophical point
The ultimate philosophical provocateur. He lived in a ceramic jar, owned nothing, begged for food, and publicly mocked the wealthy. He carried a lantern in daylight looking for 'an honest man.'
When Alexander asked what he could do for him, Diogenes replied 'Stand out of my sunshine.' He was filthy, rude, fearless—and somehow commanded respect.
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