On one occasion Alexander sent a basket of bones to Diogenes, accompanied by a note: "From Alexander to Diogenes, Greetings". Diogenes sent them back with a message: "These bones might have been such as a dog should receive, but they were scarcely such as a king should send".
"Good, of course," he replied. "Then why should I be afraid of you?" "Why indeed," he replied. As he left he remarked "If I were not Alexander, I should like to be Diogenes."
Diogenes is a hero and just crazy enough to be unbeatable. His body would die either way, eventually, but the man's ideas live on. That little mad dog was so hard to kill he's still biting Achilles tendons, pissing on lords and greeting more people every year. Oh If I, could but live as the dogs beside this great man. Their's truth and B.S., this man may have smelled of the later, but spat truth that cuts like a razor right to the bone and marrow of the matter. Long live Diogenes Never R.I.P.
"Homelessness" is a late 20th century notion and a dumb cliche'. I like to think of myself as "House-Free". Thats significant in these times, when a house has become such a ball and chain of endless expense. Maybe "going to the dogs" has been a blessing for me. Maybe there was a reason that the Son of Sam took instructions from his dog?
They didn´t had any mentionings of each other, what was happening between them, is that they were from different ¨schools¨ and had many arguments. Plato because Diogenes was dismissingly absolute and cynic, and Diogenes because Plato was wealthy and had luxuries. But this must not lead you ¨choose¨ among them or their ¨schools¨. Trust me, if you distil them both you´ll find the results similar.
@vergil566 As a matter of fact... Diogenes was opposed to multiple ides of Plato and publicly disputed him. Also, a was a follower of Asceticism. When Plato gave Socrates' definition of man as "featherless bipeds" and was much praised for the definition, Diogenes plucked a chicken and brought it into Plato's Academy, saying, "Behold! I've brought you a man." After this incident, "with broad flat nails" was added to Plato's definition.
When we finally do away with ourselves, of all the great thinkers of our species Diogenes will be proven correct. The irony being, there will be no one around to appreciate it.
Cynicism is too radical. If everyone were a cynic there would be a dramatic increase in the homeless populations around the world. Goodbye amazing technology and medical advancements. Goodbye space exploration. Goodbye Ubermen.
I think cynicism is great in theory and as a symbol, but that's about it.
@TDP788 Cynicism is about making things as simple as possible. You mentioned "amazing technology". Answer me this: What does humanity have to gain by sending people into outer space? Honestly? Really think about it... And, "medical advancements"? If everyone was a cynic (in theory), everyone would accept their medical fate. Diogenes' pupil, Crates was a semi-crippled hunchback. Cynicism is also closely tied to Stoicism. One of Stoicism's greatest proponents was Epictetus, a lifelong gimp.
@TDP788 Cynicism is about making things as simple as possible. You mentioned "amazing technology". Answer me this: What does humanity have to gain by sending people into outer space? Honestly? Really think about it... And, "medical advancements"? If everyone was a cynic (in theory), everyone would accept their medical fate. Diogenes' pupil, Crates was a semi-crippled hunchback. Cynicism is also closely tied to Stoicism. One of Stoicism's greatest proponents was Epictetus, a lifelong gimp.
@TenderTrap86 So you are suggesting we should halt medical advancements and forget about space exploration in the name of laziness? Brilliant... Medical advancements prolong human life. Your "medical fate" is not set in stone. I assume that even cynics would agree that they would like to live longer, healthy lives. Exploring space is about scientific discovery and moving slowly towards occupying space. Not to mention detecting orbital debris and/or asteroids that could destroy the planet.
@TenderTrap86 If we never ventured into space we wouldn't have communication satellites that keep planes from running into each other, satellite televison/radio, cell phones, GPS, etc. There may be other life in the universe as well. Ever heard of SETI? Absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence. Future technology will be amazing because we explore and occupy space. The earths population is not going to cap; it's growing. It will be around 10 billion in like 30 years.
@TenderTrap86 I know that cynicism and stoicism are related. But let's face it, cynicism is an impractical, outdated philosophy. We don't walk around wearing cloths and crapping in the street anymore. It's 2011.
@TDP788 You're not the 1st person to think Cynicism impractical, that's for sure. And, I think toasters or TV's can become outdated, but never philosophies (beliefs).
I think embracing Cynicism to the fullest has to be extremely difficult. Epictetus said that only a very special kind of man could really be a Cynic. But, if we all were to embrace *part* of the Cynic philosohy of true self sufficiency and simplicity, I'd think the world would be much better off.
@TenderTrap86 I can agree with you on that note. I think we should all live more simply, just not to the extent of overly condemning things that are innovative and beneficial to our health and scientific understanding. : )
Diogenes' answer to Alexander wasn't "You're standing in my sunlight", it was waaaaaaay cooler than that. "Don't deprive me of what you cannot give me" was his answer and Alexander realized he was talking about the sun and stepped aside. Also, what you didn't mention is that Diogenes' only asset used to be a drinking cup, which he got rid of after he saw a dog licking water out of a street pond.
Wikipedia has a good summary of Diogenes, he was given credit for pointing his middle finger at people (now we know where the middle finger salute came from). Though I admire his self sacrifice and denial I believe God's warning "beware of dogs". I believe Digogenes missed the fact that dogs tend to follow the meanest dog like wolves, they will sometimes turn on their master for no apparent reason. Dogs have disgusting habits and attract fleas. I would hope man has loftier goals than this!
I hope you will make more videos for your "Unsung Philosophers -series". These videos are excellent as FUCK. I'd rather watch this than be with my mother on her deathbed. Thanks for sharing.
@M3PanoS Unfortunately I am not. Due to my supreme intelligence and plain philosophical understanding of the world I have gained nothing but misery. I wish I was an idiot, just like the vast majority of these little youngsters like you nowadays. I don't value life in any special way, so I wouldn't care enough to watch my unconscious birthmother wasting away while wasting my time. I would much rather do anything to be honest. I'd even play a game instead. At least that entertains me.
@miskee11 I'm going to ask this question, of which I'm sure you've pondered about before: why don't you just commit suicide? I don't want you to do this, but I'm just wondering by your line of reasoning why not? If it's painless then why not? What's the point to living. You said you have gained misery, so wouldn't suicide be an answer? Even if you weren't miserable, if you really thought you knew everything and still thought life was pointless wouldn't suicide still be the best answer?
@miskee11 Your 19 year old supreme intelligence is not honed enough to lead an "examined life". Shut the fuck up and pay attention. You got momy issues which is normal, especialy when momy is incompetent to raise children. Life is not special in any magical way. Its only special if you consider that your existance from the big bang till today is like one in a gillion. You only got one life, and when it ends, its back to non existence forever. Nothing matters until YOU decide it does.
@sfaginx Inteligence and depression are known to be found together, and its normal in this world of pigs, sheeps and dogs (to borrow from pink floyd). If you got half a clue of whats right, you are gonna hate this world.
And many inteligent people do hate this world. But it takes more than intelligence to raise yourself from this quick sand, and become an entropia fan. It needs true grit. Until you get it you are just an inteligent cry baby.
One thing you should know is that you know nothing.
@M3PanoS Ο Κορνήλιος Καστοριάδης ειναι ο μονος που γνωριζω. Για μενα ο Νιτσε ειναι ο πιο σημαντικος, γιατι καθαρισε την αρχαια φιλοσοφια απο οτιδηποτε θρησκευτικο και παραλληλα παρηγαγε πολυ καινοτομες ιδεες.
@sfaginx Ο Καστριαδης ηταν Χριστιανος? Και πιες ιδιαίτερες ιδεεs εμφανησε ο Νιτσε που νομιζεις εσει οτι ηταν καινοτεμες? Στην Ελλαδα εχουν αρχησει τα παιδια να αφηνουν την Χριστιανη θρησκεια τους?
Συγγνώμη αν τα ελληνικά μου δεν είναι τέλεια, αλα νομιζω οτι ειναι αρκετα καλα για αυτην τη συζιτηση χαχα
@M3PanoS Τα ελληνικα σου ειναι πολυ καλα. Καλυτερα απο πολλων ελληνων :) Στην ελλαδα σιγα σιγα ο κοσμος απομακρυνεται απο την εκκλησια ως ιδρυμα, αλλα και απο την ιδεα οτι υπαρχει θεος. Αλλα σιγα-σιγα. Καλυτερα, αν θες την γνωμη μου. οι θρησκειες ξεκινησαν ως εργαλειο εκμεταλευσης και χειραγωγησης (manipulation). Αν θες μπορουμε να το αναλυσουμε σε pm. Ο κυριος ογκος της δουλειας του νιτσε καταπιανεται με τις προεκτασεις απο μια απλη ιδεα.
@sfaginx Οτι ο ανθρωπος ειναι κατα βαση ενα ζωο- αναποσπαστο κομματι της φυσης, και ο συγχρονς πολιτισμος, τον βγαζει απο τη πραγματικη του θεση και φυση, καταπιεζοντας την προσωπικοτητα και τα φυσικα ενστικτα. Σαν ιδεα δεν ειναι καιντομα (βλ. Διογενης) αλλα οι απειρες προεκτασεις και αναλυσεις που εκανε επι τουτου ηταν.
@sfaginx intelligent people learn to work around the fact that the world is shit. they learn to walk-around their depression so to speak. they learn to not give a fuck about most things. which is another reason why most intelligent people are pricks which is why i don't like "most intelligent people": manners should never be abandoned. that's only contributing to the shit.
@Pisdetz I dont believe that most intelligent people are pricks. But I know for sure that the most dangerous people around are intelligent pricks. There is nothing inteligent about being rude, unless you are delivering a "mental slap" to awake someone. If your rudeness is just a projection of your own psychology, and not a way to deliver your message consciously selected for efficiency, then you are not that intelligent. Anger and intelligence, rarely do combine.
@Pisdetz So, i realise that i sounded like a prick when i gave my advice to miske11, but I believe that he needed my advice in a form a small, potent, cynical semi-rant. The opinion that he formed about me, or the opinion you formed about me is irrelevant, as the purpose was to get the message to him, and not for me to collect e-praise, from people i have never or will ever meet.
On rudeness:
"One who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." Dr Samuel Johnson
@onsherizer I wasnt reffering to the Animal Farm, but to the pink floyd album called "Animals". Its the same concept though, and its probable that Pink Floyd borrowed the theme from Orwell. Thanks for trying to share your knowledge anyway :)
@amb005 Archaologists agree that he exists, which should tell you that there is a pretty good chance that he did. But It doesnt matter anyway. The important thing is the message.
I believe it was Diogenes who requested that his body be thrown over the city wall to be fed to wild animals, when asked if he would mind this he replied "No not at all as long as you give me a stick to chase away the animals" when asked how he will use the stick without awareness he replies "If I lack awareness why should I care what is done to my body?"
it reminds me of jesus on the mountaintop being tempted by satan. ceasar offers him the world and he responds by asking him to get out of his sunlight. curious...
I don't understand why you seem to use Diogenes as a case for failure. There is nothing here to suggest that he is a failure in any regard. Being a bum does not make one a failure in and of itself.
I still think philosophy is useless. But then Diogenese wasnt a philosopher. I dont think he was interested in a making a point or giving a philosophy.
For anyone who's fascinated by Diogenes, check out "Antisthenes of Athens". He was the founder of Cynicsm and Diogenes' teacher. Anthisthenes, himself, was a student of Socrates.
There's also Diogenes' pupil, "Crates of Thebes". One can only imagine what Crates had to do to prove himself worthy to be the student of the Dog of Sinope.
M.P.Hall writes of Diogenes of Sinopis in The Secret Teachings of All Ages: ....remembered chiefly for the tub in the Metroum which for many years served as his home. The people of Athens loved the beggar-philosopher, and when a youth in jest bored holes in the tub, the city presented Diogenes with a new one and punished the youth.
On a life a philosophy, Antisthenes (founder of Cynic's sect) replied that he had learned how to converse with himself.
@beatrix01 If I still had the original file I would remove the profanity and reupload it for you, but sadly I lost the original in a hard drive crash. But I have another video telling the same story without any profanity. It's part of a talk I gave, so the details and context are a little different, but you might check it out here: /watch?v=aK4pR1Uatqw Jump to 24:12. Hope that will work!
I wish education would evolve and stop limiting itself with arbitrary rules like "I can't show this educational video to my class because it uses profanity to be entertaining, and that makes people uncomfortable, or even worse, they might laugh."
Or you could download the video and edit it to put black boxes over the "inappropriate" parts.
Of course, God forbid a teacher innovates these days and tries to learn something outside of their comfort zone in the process of teaching.
When Alexander stood over Diogenes and asked what he can get him... Diogenes replied "That which you can not give me and yet you take it away". This is how i was told the story by my Grandfather or ("Pappou" in Greek) about Alexander blocking Digones sunlight. I Think its phrased better and more like Diogenes this way. Pure genius of a man and probably my Pappou's favorite to talk about.
I absolutely love Diogenes. he is one of my idols. This is a man who defied social norms by defecating in a theater, masturbating in public, pointing at people with his middle finger, etc. He publicly mocked alexander the great and intellectually humiliated plato. RIP Diogenes of sinope.
Our world is hostage to the insatiable rampaging of the ruling class private gain and greed, dominating,dehumanising,devaluing everyone and everything in the midst. We can and must change the wage slavery of immense humanity in a market system of artificial scarcity . We can share the world for our common needs and well being in harmony within and without.
Where can the written records of the quotations you used be found? Did you get them from a book? ...I suppose I could just wiki Diogenes, but I wondered what your source was (just out of curiosity, not to argue or anything :P)
@VitaminTMan All sources are secondary or tertiary or worse. I've collected them in my mind over the years, so when I made the video I didn't go back and check. But the most exhaustive sources is Diogenes Laërtius (not the same man, just the same first name) in his book "Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers." He's also mentioned by several other ancient historians here and there.
An excellent scholoar, Luis E. Navia, has written about Diogenes. I found his book 'Diogenes The Cynic: The War Against The World' to be pretty comprehensive as a companion to Diogenes Laërtius's writings.
thanks for the post, I knew nothing about the masturbation anecdote. For some reason my mom left that one out when she told me about my favorite historical person, diógenes.
diogenes, one of the earliest exponent of dont-give-a-fuck-ism. he once asked a bad-tempered man for alms who replied, 'yes, but only if you could convince me.' diogenes said, ' if i could convince you of anything, i'd convince you to hang yourself.'
@roryphelan No, he most certainly existed, although is maybe that the stories about him became exaggerated and distorted. Had to say without multiple first person witnesses.
Rich men of the city used to call him to symposia to hear his philosophies or just for the novelty of his presence. So once, the host, trying to degrade him, thre a bone to him proclaiming " Here dog! This is your supper!" Diogenis, didnt reply. Instead he picked the bone clean, stood up, walked on the hosts expensive carpet, peed on it like a dog, and left.
@manchild541 Yeah, I wish I could, but I don't have the original file anymore. Lost it in a hard drive crash. Glad you liked it, though. I will be making more Unsung Philosophers in the future.
It's been said that "all of philosophy is a footnote to Plato", and Plato was a loyal, devout follower and friend of Socrates. The impact of Socrates was so vastly tremendous and such that every philosopher before him is described as "pre-Socratic". So, when Plato declared that Diogenes was "a Socrates gone mad", what does that say about the dog from Sinope? ;-) I wish the whole, entire world would adhere to the Cynic example and enlist in the Army of the Dog, but I'm not holding my breath...
@rimbaudlink You're welcome, I'm glad you like it. Might I humbly recommend checking out my other Unsung Philosopher video on Blaise Pascal? And if you like that one, to subscribe for more?
THANK YOU! It's kind of sad that they don't really teach this in school.. The subject came up just the other day while I was speaking with a friend and I was quite astonished when my reference to Diogenes was met with a baffled stare. A very overlooked historical figure, indeed!
@Alchiel really why do you think they dont? Diogenes while a smart and wise man, was not really a philosopher, but rather a man like socrates. Not really doing anything but making others think about the actions they did and the statements they make.
Sps you are standing in front of Diogenes of Sinope, sps you express your admiration for his Phil, & sps you ask him a Q; "What is your opinion of Phil?" Then what would be his A??? Yep, that's right. "Fuck Off." That would be his answer. You are at most a wannabe, but not certainly a practitioner. This is why you shouldn't learn Phil in a college. Ask Diogenes of Sinope. See what he has to say about Phil education. :D
Diogenes is a man who stoods up for what he is believing in no matter what. He supports cosmopolitanism and (i think) one of the founders of Cynicism. I have read that he intellectually argued with Alexander the great causing him to be demolished completely.
For example if you really think about it what are the odds that Alexander the Great really DID visit, sit down and chat with, and then leave in admiration of a bum like Diogenes? Also there is evidence that the so called Socratic Method - which Plato would have you believe was invented by Socrates out of his unquenchable thirst for answers - was already a discipline well in practice in the Sophistic schools before Socrates' birth.
I would also like to add that you have to keep the art in mind here. Artists like Raphael are depicting Diogenes in a very divine sense. In real life the man was probably filthy and smelly. Just like any bum off the street today. Not that that matters, but it would also do good to remember that a lot of the early stories of of the lives of people like Diogenes and Socrates were probably dramatized to fit their creed more.
Philosophy, along with all other pretentious things, at least in the traditional sense of seeking wisdom and enlightnment IS useless. And Diogenes knew this. That's why I have respect for him.
I don't understand this. Philosophy, as an academic discipline, has given us the world we live in today; morals, beliefs, manners, culture, art, math, science, etc. Although I do not totally disagree with you, engineering, for example is arguably much more important today than philosophy - same goes with science and math. But science, math, and engineering grew out of philosophy - everything did. To say it is useless is a misinformed, arrogant, and EQUALLY pretentious point of view.
1. Traditional philosophy is flawed by virtue of its ONE presupposition - that wisdom in fact exists. Socrates CLAIMED to consider himself NOT wise. But in his quest for wisdom, he implied himself to be wise in knowing that such a thing as wisdom existed.
2. However later philosophies like phenomenology (specifically existentialism, pragmatism, etc) and deconstruction are the only disciplines I consider truly noble because they don't presuppose such things. In fact they challenge the concept of being wiser than your fellow man or any sense of metaphysical or moral enlightenment. Instead they're far more humanistic - encouraging a faith in your own volition and self-sustaining capacity in a nihilistic universe.
3. Finally I think you're stretching things by saying philosophy has given us the entire world, including science and math. I posit that math came with the rise of accounting which came with the rise of commerce during the neolithic era - in that sense it predates traditional or "logos" philosophy.
4. Now science is a discipline that stands on the backs of a VAST array of different giants both in the form of people and long known observations and customs - its method is a conglomerated record of the common attitudes of peoples who've made great discoveries or inventions throughout the ages. To be sure philosophy - specifically empiricism (which is a movement that spans beyond the field of philosophy) is ONE of its (late) founding fathers.
1) I'm going to keep this short because you didn't really say much. You've agreed with me more or less in a roundabout way. I will say, once again, that I don't disagree (there are plenty of other academic endeavors that are arguably more important that philosophy, but philosophy currently is once again realigning with science - especially cognitive science. In fact, many scientists and mathematicians are turning to philosophers for answers.
What about biomedical ethics? - A huge up and coming practical application of philosophy to REAL medical problems.
Originally you stated philosophy is useless, this is not the case - obviously. This simply cannot be even argued.
I hate to commit a logical fallacy here, but I will anyway. Head over to your nearest university campus and consult every professor that is employed there and ask them about how important philosophy has been over the ages. I can assure you that you won't be happy
3) with your responses. You seem like an educated individual and once again, I don't totally disagree with you, but to argue/state philosophy is useless or unimportant is just plain silly.
How do you know I won't be happy that I'm wrong? Btw I WOULD like you to note that when I said philosophy was useless I was talking about a very stipulated and specific genre of it.
>In fact, many scientists and mathematicians are turning to philosophers for answers.
Really? Well I'll take your word for it. Personally I haven't seen philosophy as a very succesfull institution outside the academic field. Sure there the famous authors but I'm not aware of as you say "scientists turning to them for answers."
I don't totally disagree, it is extremely academic and yes, many times useless - haha. BUT it is behind the scenes on many, many important issues and problems, both scientific and mathematic.
i will say philosophy is finally proven completely useless with this amazing and insightful look into a mans life who merely said "wise" things contextually in the moment. and lived according. i too envy diogenes. great work sisyphusredeemed.
thank you for this vid. now i have something better than wiki, or a hurried self-written testemony, when i want to show people who/what diogenes was.
one point in addition to your video. it has been said that alexander said to diogenes 'if i couldn't be alexander, i'd want to be diogenes' (similar to what was said in your video) to which diogenes replied 'if i wasn't diogenes, i'd want to be diogenes as well'.
Gotta love the Cynics. Anthisthenes, Crates, and to an extent Zeno and Epictetus who were known for being very simple, rather eccentric Stoics. And, of course, who could could leave out that 5 Star General in the Army Of The Dog, that "Socrates gone mad", the one and only, Diogenes.
Great video! Thank you.
AgApE010 2 weeks ago
ive always thought of being homeless and wonderd if any philosophers had my idea as well then i learnd of diogenes
2277fallout 1 month ago
On one occasion Alexander sent a basket of bones to Diogenes, accompanied by a note: "From Alexander to Diogenes, Greetings". Diogenes sent them back with a message: "These bones might have been such as a dog should receive, but they were scarcely such as a king should send".
uoitofsogroj 2 months ago
Alexander asked: "Are you not afraid of me?"
Diogenes asked him if he were a good man or evil.
"Good, of course," he replied. "Then why should I be afraid of you?" "Why indeed," he replied. As he left he remarked "If I were not Alexander, I should like to be Diogenes."
uoitofsogroj 2 months ago
The Super Man of ancient times
Pattydog9 2 months ago
I believe Diogenes made something of a more significant contribution to Western Philosophy, even if his words were more or less unheeded.
Pattydog9 2 months ago
Good stuff, he is a cool philosopher.
Wolfman92111 2 months ago
Diogenes is a hero and just crazy enough to be unbeatable. His body would die either way, eventually, but the man's ideas live on. That little mad dog was so hard to kill he's still biting Achilles tendons, pissing on lords and greeting more people every year. Oh If I, could but live as the dogs beside this great man. Their's truth and B.S., this man may have smelled of the later, but spat truth that cuts like a razor right to the bone and marrow of the matter. Long live Diogenes Never R.I.P.
bluegreen1138 2 months ago
The unsung hero of philosophy!
BabycakesBurger 2 months ago
Love the whole thing!!! Definitely the Raphael at the beginning too.
BringEm2011 2 months ago
"Homelessness" is a late 20th century notion and a dumb cliche'. I like to think of myself as "House-Free". Thats significant in these times, when a house has become such a ball and chain of endless expense. Maybe "going to the dogs" has been a blessing for me. Maybe there was a reason that the Son of Sam took instructions from his dog?
ironicjesus 3 months ago
To me this is the only philosopher that put his words into practice...
I'm not interested in philosophy at all, but this man is one of my idols!
snoookie456 3 months ago
Diogenes reminds me of a Hindu Sadhu.
topbluffa1 3 months ago
This is my favorite video on youtube.
foxesV 3 months ago
The wisest and truly philosopher that ever lived.
crysty200718 4 months ago
Does Plato, in any of the books he wrote, ever mentioned Diogenes? Let me reformulate: did Plato and Diogenes coexisted?
vergil566 5 months ago
@vergil566 Yes, Plato and Diogenes were rough contemporaries.
SisyphusRedeemed 5 months ago
@vergil566 Yes, and they did not quite... liked each other.
eliasmanos 4 months ago
They didn´t had any mentionings of each other, what was happening between them, is that they were from different ¨schools¨ and had many arguments. Plato because Diogenes was dismissingly absolute and cynic, and Diogenes because Plato was wealthy and had luxuries. But this must not lead you ¨choose¨ among them or their ¨schools¨. Trust me, if you distil them both you´ll find the results similar.
eliasmanos 4 months ago
@vergil566 As a matter of fact... Diogenes was opposed to multiple ides of Plato and publicly disputed him. Also, a was a follower of Asceticism. When Plato gave Socrates' definition of man as "featherless bipeds" and was much praised for the definition, Diogenes plucked a chicken and brought it into Plato's Academy, saying, "Behold! I've brought you a man." After this incident, "with broad flat nails" was added to Plato's definition.
BringEm2011 2 months ago
8 people are blocking out the sun
terrabusi84 5 months ago
When we finally do away with ourselves, of all the great thinkers of our species Diogenes will be proven correct. The irony being, there will be no one around to appreciate it.
SP00NS86 6 months ago
Cynicism is too radical. If everyone were a cynic there would be a dramatic increase in the homeless populations around the world. Goodbye amazing technology and medical advancements. Goodbye space exploration. Goodbye Ubermen.
I think cynicism is great in theory and as a symbol, but that's about it.
TDP788 8 months ago
@TDP788 Cynicism is about making things as simple as possible. You mentioned "amazing technology". Answer me this: What does humanity have to gain by sending people into outer space? Honestly? Really think about it... And, "medical advancements"? If everyone was a cynic (in theory), everyone would accept their medical fate. Diogenes' pupil, Crates was a semi-crippled hunchback. Cynicism is also closely tied to Stoicism. One of Stoicism's greatest proponents was Epictetus, a lifelong gimp.
TenderTrap86 4 months ago
@TDP788 Cynicism is about making things as simple as possible. You mentioned "amazing technology". Answer me this: What does humanity have to gain by sending people into outer space? Honestly? Really think about it... And, "medical advancements"? If everyone was a cynic (in theory), everyone would accept their medical fate. Diogenes' pupil, Crates was a semi-crippled hunchback. Cynicism is also closely tied to Stoicism. One of Stoicism's greatest proponents was Epictetus, a lifelong gimp.
TenderTrap86 4 months ago
@TenderTrap86 So you are suggesting we should halt medical advancements and forget about space exploration in the name of laziness? Brilliant... Medical advancements prolong human life. Your "medical fate" is not set in stone. I assume that even cynics would agree that they would like to live longer, healthy lives. Exploring space is about scientific discovery and moving slowly towards occupying space. Not to mention detecting orbital debris and/or asteroids that could destroy the planet.
TDP788 4 months ago
@TenderTrap86 If we never ventured into space we wouldn't have communication satellites that keep planes from running into each other, satellite televison/radio, cell phones, GPS, etc. There may be other life in the universe as well. Ever heard of SETI? Absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence. Future technology will be amazing because we explore and occupy space. The earths population is not going to cap; it's growing. It will be around 10 billion in like 30 years.
TDP788 4 months ago
@TenderTrap86 I know that cynicism and stoicism are related. But let's face it, cynicism is an impractical, outdated philosophy. We don't walk around wearing cloths and crapping in the street anymore. It's 2011.
TDP788 4 months ago
@TDP788 You're not the 1st person to think Cynicism impractical, that's for sure. And, I think toasters or TV's can become outdated, but never philosophies (beliefs).
I think embracing Cynicism to the fullest has to be extremely difficult. Epictetus said that only a very special kind of man could really be a Cynic. But, if we all were to embrace *part* of the Cynic philosohy of true self sufficiency and simplicity, I'd think the world would be much better off.
That's my opinion at least.
TenderTrap86 4 months ago
@TenderTrap86 I can agree with you on that note. I think we should all live more simply, just not to the extent of overly condemning things that are innovative and beneficial to our health and scientific understanding. : )
TDP788 4 months ago
Diogenes' answer to Alexander wasn't "You're standing in my sunlight", it was waaaaaaay cooler than that. "Don't deprive me of what you cannot give me" was his answer and Alexander realized he was talking about the sun and stepped aside. Also, what you didn't mention is that Diogenes' only asset used to be a drinking cup, which he got rid of after he saw a dog licking water out of a street pond.
enos2002 8 months ago
@enos2002 not true. he stopped drinking from a cup after seeing a boy drink from his cupped hands.
what is your source?
Pisdetz 8 months ago
@Pisdetz You are right, it was boy not a dog.
sfaginx 8 months ago
@Pisdetz You're right, it was after he had seen someone drinking from his cupped hands and not a dog, I made that comment from memory
enos2002 8 months ago
Wikipedia has a good summary of Diogenes, he was given credit for pointing his middle finger at people (now we know where the middle finger salute came from). Though I admire his self sacrifice and denial I believe God's warning "beware of dogs". I believe Digogenes missed the fact that dogs tend to follow the meanest dog like wolves, they will sometimes turn on their master for no apparent reason. Dogs have disgusting habits and attract fleas. I would hope man has loftier goals than this!
LkOutMtnMan 8 months ago
"This is Platos man"
Not Socrates.
Great vid.
sfaginx 8 months ago
As as the video and quotes go, good job (since all you had to do was transpose pictures and words), but as far as the commentary goes...
M3PanoS 9 months ago
I hope you will make more videos for your "Unsung Philosophers -series". These videos are excellent as FUCK. I'd rather watch this than be with my mother on her deathbed. Thanks for sharing.
miskee11 9 months ago
@miskee11 you're a fucking idiot
M3PanoS 9 months ago
@M3PanoS Unfortunately I am not. Due to my supreme intelligence and plain philosophical understanding of the world I have gained nothing but misery. I wish I was an idiot, just like the vast majority of these little youngsters like you nowadays. I don't value life in any special way, so I wouldn't care enough to watch my unconscious birthmother wasting away while wasting my time. I would much rather do anything to be honest. I'd even play a game instead. At least that entertains me.
miskee11 9 months ago
@miskee11 I'm going to ask this question, of which I'm sure you've pondered about before: why don't you just commit suicide? I don't want you to do this, but I'm just wondering by your line of reasoning why not? If it's painless then why not? What's the point to living. You said you have gained misery, so wouldn't suicide be an answer? Even if you weren't miserable, if you really thought you knew everything and still thought life was pointless wouldn't suicide still be the best answer?
M3PanoS 9 months ago
@miskee11 Your 19 year old supreme intelligence is not honed enough to lead an "examined life". Shut the fuck up and pay attention. You got momy issues which is normal, especialy when momy is incompetent to raise children. Life is not special in any magical way. Its only special if you consider that your existance from the big bang till today is like one in a gillion. You only got one life, and when it ends, its back to non existence forever. Nothing matters until YOU decide it does.
sfaginx 8 months ago
@sfaginx Inteligence and depression are known to be found together, and its normal in this world of pigs, sheeps and dogs (to borrow from pink floyd). If you got half a clue of whats right, you are gonna hate this world.
And many inteligent people do hate this world. But it takes more than intelligence to raise yourself from this quick sand, and become an entropia fan. It needs true grit. Until you get it you are just an inteligent cry baby.
One thing you should know is that you know nothing.
sfaginx 8 months ago
@sfaginx exei vrethei kanas kalos ellinikos philosophos meta ap ton Xristo?
M3PanoS 8 months ago
@M3PanoS Ο Κορνήλιος Καστοριάδης ειναι ο μονος που γνωριζω. Για μενα ο Νιτσε ειναι ο πιο σημαντικος, γιατι καθαρισε την αρχαια φιλοσοφια απο οτιδηποτε θρησκευτικο και παραλληλα παρηγαγε πολυ καινοτομες ιδεες.
sfaginx 8 months ago
@sfaginx Ο Καστριαδης ηταν Χριστιανος? Και πιες ιδιαίτερες ιδεεs εμφανησε ο Νιτσε που νομιζεις εσει οτι ηταν καινοτεμες? Στην Ελλαδα εχουν αρχησει τα παιδια να αφηνουν την Χριστιανη θρησκεια τους?
Συγγνώμη αν τα ελληνικά μου δεν είναι τέλεια, αλα νομιζω οτι ειναι αρκετα καλα για αυτην τη συζιτηση χαχα
M3PanoS 8 months ago
@M3PanoS Τα ελληνικα σου ειναι πολυ καλα. Καλυτερα απο πολλων ελληνων :) Στην ελλαδα σιγα σιγα ο κοσμος απομακρυνεται απο την εκκλησια ως ιδρυμα, αλλα και απο την ιδεα οτι υπαρχει θεος. Αλλα σιγα-σιγα. Καλυτερα, αν θες την γνωμη μου. οι θρησκειες ξεκινησαν ως εργαλειο εκμεταλευσης και χειραγωγησης (manipulation). Αν θες μπορουμε να το αναλυσουμε σε pm. Ο κυριος ογκος της δουλειας του νιτσε καταπιανεται με τις προεκτασεις απο μια απλη ιδεα.
sfaginx 8 months ago
@sfaginx Οτι ο ανθρωπος ειναι κατα βαση ενα ζωο- αναποσπαστο κομματι της φυσης, και ο συγχρονς πολιτισμος, τον βγαζει απο τη πραγματικη του θεση και φυση, καταπιεζοντας την προσωπικοτητα και τα φυσικα ενστικτα. Σαν ιδεα δεν ειναι καιντομα (βλ. Διογενης) αλλα οι απειρες προεκτασεις και αναλυσεις που εκανε επι τουτου ηταν.
Ο καστοριαδης ηταν αθεος και πολυ καλος ανθρωπος.
Καλημερα πατριωτη :)
sfaginx 8 months ago
@sfaginx intelligent people learn to work around the fact that the world is shit. they learn to walk-around their depression so to speak. they learn to not give a fuck about most things. which is another reason why most intelligent people are pricks which is why i don't like "most intelligent people": manners should never be abandoned. that's only contributing to the shit.
Pisdetz 8 months ago
@Pisdetz I dont believe that most intelligent people are pricks. But I know for sure that the most dangerous people around are intelligent pricks. There is nothing inteligent about being rude, unless you are delivering a "mental slap" to awake someone. If your rudeness is just a projection of your own psychology, and not a way to deliver your message consciously selected for efficiency, then you are not that intelligent. Anger and intelligence, rarely do combine.
sfaginx 8 months ago
@Pisdetz So, i realise that i sounded like a prick when i gave my advice to miske11, but I believe that he needed my advice in a form a small, potent, cynical semi-rant. The opinion that he formed about me, or the opinion you formed about me is irrelevant, as the purpose was to get the message to him, and not for me to collect e-praise, from people i have never or will ever meet.
On rudeness:
"One who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." Dr Samuel Johnson
sfaginx 8 months ago
@sfaginx not from pink floyd, from orwell :D.
onsherizer 6 months ago
@onsherizer I wasnt reffering to the Animal Farm, but to the pink floyd album called "Animals". Its the same concept though, and its probable that Pink Floyd borrowed the theme from Orwell. Thanks for trying to share your knowledge anyway :)
sfaginx 6 months ago
Great story, how much of this is verified? LoL... these are events happened so far in the past with no evidence apart from ink on paper?
amb005 9 months ago
@amb005 Archaologists agree that he exists, which should tell you that there is a pretty good chance that he did. But It doesnt matter anyway. The important thing is the message.
sfaginx 8 months ago
Why this doesn't have millions upon millions of views, I have no idea.
africanchina1 9 months ago
Porcupine Tree on the background! Nice!
succubivictim 9 months ago
Porcupine Tree on the background! Nice!
succubivictim 9 months ago
diogenes was a turk
Poopsicle1 9 months ago
@Poopsicle1 that would explain the public masturbation :D :D :D
M3PanoS 9 months ago
Has anybody else noticed that there are some interesting parallels between Oscar the Grouch and Diogenes?
BassAceReturns 10 months ago
@BassAceReturns Perhaps thats what Jim Hansen wanted to convey ; )
FutureRefrence 10 months ago
@FutureRefrence That's what I was implying. It's an interesting proposition. I loved to hear SisyphusRedeemed's input.
BassAceReturns 10 months ago
I believe it was Diogenes who requested that his body be thrown over the city wall to be fed to wild animals, when asked if he would mind this he replied "No not at all as long as you give me a stick to chase away the animals" when asked how he will use the stick without awareness he replies "If I lack awareness why should I care what is done to my body?"
TheLastGunfighter 10 months ago
Diogenes was one cool motherfucker.
SoupMonkeyChilly 10 months ago
A very great video. Thank you for sharing it.
caseyDsutherland 11 months ago
cool story brah!
Abgef 11 months ago
I think he is stupid...he is impressive much like those people you see on MTV's jackass...I believe his inherent philosophy is foolish.
anyone care to debate me?
Abgef 11 months ago
He is more worthy of an idol figure than almost any other philosopher, indeed.
And most certainly more worthy of respect than this Jesus character.
Hyardacil 1 year ago
it reminds me of jesus on the mountaintop being tempted by satan. ceasar offers him the world and he responds by asking him to get out of his sunlight. curious...
MRBORGHEAD 1 year ago
I don't understand why you seem to use Diogenes as a case for failure. There is nothing here to suggest that he is a failure in any regard. Being a bum does not make one a failure in and of itself.
atmdusty 1 year ago
7 people saw Diogenes masturbating
LordOfNothingreally 1 year ago
Next time someone tells me philosophy is useless, i'll urinate on them and tell them to suck it uppp biaaaatches !!! lol
thanks for the video, really cool.
LiveReligiously 1 year ago
making masturbation philisophical.. what a great man..
yoyochriso 1 year ago
socrates on acid LOL
dpapaioannow 1 year ago
I still think philosophy is useless. But then Diogenese wasnt a philosopher. I dont think he was interested in a making a point or giving a philosophy.
rockbold83 1 year ago
For anyone who's fascinated by Diogenes, check out "Antisthenes of Athens". He was the founder of Cynicsm and Diogenes' teacher. Anthisthenes, himself, was a student of Socrates.
There's also Diogenes' pupil, "Crates of Thebes". One can only imagine what Crates had to do to prove himself worthy to be the student of the Dog of Sinope.
TenderTrap86 1 year ago
Nearly a Greek Taoist, fascinating.
DeJach 1 year ago
stumbled this and have watched it over a dozen times. Thumbs up.
hlcom30 1 year ago
M.P.Hall writes of Diogenes of Sinopis in The Secret Teachings of All Ages: ....remembered chiefly for the tub in the Metroum which for many years served as his home. The people of Athens loved the beggar-philosopher, and when a youth in jest bored holes in the tub, the city presented Diogenes with a new one and punished the youth.
On a life a philosophy, Antisthenes (founder of Cynic's sect) replied that he had learned how to converse with himself.
Good Video! Thanks!
EarthBus 1 year ago
ultimate troll
KiNPiN1835 1 year ago
Oscar from sesame street could talk to this man.
bk360 1 year ago
Does anybody else imagine Diogenes as Adrian Edmondson?
niriop 1 year ago
I love these Unsung Philosophers videos, keep them coming! You do a really great job commentating them!
By the way, Diogenes is my #1 role model in life.
foxesV 1 year ago
Don't fuck with Alexander, nigger!
m4lvolio 1 year ago
The most powerful man in the world was envying a homeless man. That is the power of philosophy.
I HAD A MINDGASM, man i love philosophy.
Moiez101 1 year ago
I wish you would remove the obscene language that appears on the screen so I could show this video to my high school students.
beatrix01 1 year ago
@beatrix01 If I still had the original file I would remove the profanity and reupload it for you, but sadly I lost the original in a hard drive crash. But I have another video telling the same story without any profanity. It's part of a talk I gave, so the details and context are a little different, but you might check it out here: /watch?v=aK4pR1Uatqw Jump to 24:12. Hope that will work!
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
@SisyphusRedeemed Thank you so much, Sisyphus!
beatrix01 1 year ago
Respond to this video... I appreciate your response. Thanks!
beatrix01 1 year ago
@beatrix01 "wimp dot com/diogenessinope" is an edited version without cursing
OhMyGarf 1 year ago
@beatrix01 hello i have seen this video in another website without the profanity,
i hope your students enjoy it!
By the way i wish my high school teacher would have taught me this!
wimp ( dot ) com / diogenes sinope/
chochis3000 1 year ago
Comment removed
Furyon89 1 year ago
@beatrix01
here it is without profanity wimp.com/diogenessinope/
ealpogi 1 year ago
@beatrix01
here it is without profanity: wimp.com/diogenessinope/
ealpogi 1 year ago
@beatrix01
wimp.com has a version with the profanity removed
wimp.com/diogenessinope/
dmazzettia 1 year ago
@beatrix01
I wish education would evolve and stop limiting itself with arbitrary rules like "I can't show this educational video to my class because it uses profanity to be entertaining, and that makes people uncomfortable, or even worse, they might laugh."
Or you could download the video and edit it to put black boxes over the "inappropriate" parts.
Of course, God forbid a teacher innovates these days and tries to learn something outside of their comfort zone in the process of teaching.
Npowell01 11 months ago
@beatrix01 Kids of high school are wise enough to see past that
CrRonaldo17 8 months ago
@beatrix01 your students wouldn't be offended or hear anything they don't know already, trust me
EdgeUHF 5 months ago
@beatrix01 You could always just play the audio and let your students just imagine what he is saying. :) I think that would be better.
Totaltwist 4 months ago
I wish you would remove the obscene language so I could show this video to my high school students.
beatrix01 1 year ago
My compliments.
adekaiwamisou 1 year ago
He sounds like a pretty awesome guy.
Bangell99 1 year ago
When Alexander stood over Diogenes and asked what he can get him... Diogenes replied "That which you can not give me and yet you take it away". This is how i was told the story by my Grandfather or ("Pappou" in Greek) about Alexander blocking Digones sunlight. I Think its phrased better and more like Diogenes this way. Pure genius of a man and probably my Pappou's favorite to talk about.
thanks for the video!
SpyridonPo 1 year ago
I absolutely love Diogenes. he is one of my idols. This is a man who defied social norms by defecating in a theater, masturbating in public, pointing at people with his middle finger, etc. He publicly mocked alexander the great and intellectually humiliated plato. RIP Diogenes of sinope.
ThatGuyWhoSucksBoobz 1 year ago
masturbating in public? hmm, sounds like Diogenes suffered from AD/HD.
bazodee2 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Our world is hostage to the insatiable rampaging of the ruling class private gain and greed, dominating,dehumanising,devaluing everyone and everything in the midst. We can and must change the wage slavery of immense humanity in a market system of artificial scarcity . We can share the world for our common needs and well being in harmony within and without.
arzoyan 1 year ago
I love you for playing Porcupine Tree
hinataFa101 1 year ago
Where can the written records of the quotations you used be found? Did you get them from a book? ...I suppose I could just wiki Diogenes, but I wondered what your source was (just out of curiosity, not to argue or anything :P)
VitaminTMan 1 year ago
@VitaminTMan All sources are secondary or tertiary or worse. I've collected them in my mind over the years, so when I made the video I didn't go back and check. But the most exhaustive sources is Diogenes Laërtius (not the same man, just the same first name) in his book "Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers." He's also mentioned by several other ancient historians here and there.
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
@SisyphusRedeemed
An excellent scholoar, Luis E. Navia, has written about Diogenes. I found his book 'Diogenes The Cynic: The War Against The World' to be pretty comprehensive as a companion to Diogenes Laërtius's writings.
caseyDsutherland 11 months ago
@VitaminTMan Diogenes of Laercio wrote a book about philosophers lifes, there it's where you can read about Diogenes of Sinope 's life.
chikbadger 10 months ago
thanks for the post, I knew nothing about the masturbation anecdote. For some reason my mom left that one out when she told me about my favorite historical person, diógenes.
janover73 1 year ago
diogenes is pure badass. i wish there were more men like him
southsydney 1 year ago
diogenes, one of the earliest exponent of dont-give-a-fuck-ism. he once asked a bad-tempered man for alms who replied, 'yes, but only if you could convince me.' diogenes said, ' if i could convince you of anything, i'd convince you to hang yourself.'
rcmontecalvo 1 year ago
This guy feels too idealised to be true. Is there any chance that people made him up?
roryphelan 1 year ago
@roryphelan No, he most certainly existed, although is maybe that the stories about him became exaggerated and distorted. Had to say without multiple first person witnesses.
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
Rich men of the city used to call him to symposia to hear his philosophies or just for the novelty of his presence. So once, the host, trying to degrade him, thre a bone to him proclaiming " Here dog! This is your supper!" Diogenis, didnt reply. Instead he picked the bone clean, stood up, walked on the hosts expensive carpet, peed on it like a dog, and left.
sfaginx 8 months ago
This was an awesome video. Diogenes seems like a total bad ass! Please reupload this video with better audio. It deserves more hits.
manchild541 1 year ago
@manchild541 Yeah, I wish I could, but I don't have the original file anymore. Lost it in a hard drive crash. Glad you liked it, though. I will be making more Unsung Philosophers in the future.
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
Totally fucking badass.
devourerofbabies 1 year ago
You are starting to creep up and become my favourite youtuber.
game1208 1 year ago
re upload with the BGM turned down a little.
fortunatebystander 1 year ago
@fortunatebystander Wish I could. Sadly I don't have the original file any more, lost it in a hard-drive crash.
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
@SisyphusRedeemed oh well, great vid none the less. Thanks for the learning experience.
fortunatebystander 1 year ago
@SisyphusRedeemed re-record it? :3
Ocoton 1 year ago
It's been said that "all of philosophy is a footnote to Plato", and Plato was a loyal, devout follower and friend of Socrates. The impact of Socrates was so vastly tremendous and such that every philosopher before him is described as "pre-Socratic". So, when Plato declared that Diogenes was "a Socrates gone mad", what does that say about the dog from Sinope? ;-) I wish the whole, entire world would adhere to the Cynic example and enlist in the Army of the Dog, but I'm not holding my breath...
TenderTrap86 1 year ago 4
lmfao @ "picture not available"
ahhahahah!
liosama 1 year ago
you might try to clean up your audio a little more next time. it sounds like your microphone is in a coffee can.
Nastyman9 1 year ago
love this vid, thank you!
rimbaudlink 1 year ago
@rimbaudlink You're welcome, I'm glad you like it. Might I humbly recommend checking out my other Unsung Philosopher video on Blaise Pascal? And if you like that one, to subscribe for more?
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
lol
blaphemic 1 year ago
You do not want to fuck with this man? Seriously, he will fuck you up? LOL
daletheelf3 1 year ago
Diogenes doesnt get hurt, Diogenes hurts you!
SAAAAAAAAAAAAH 1 year ago
THANK YOU! It's kind of sad that they don't really teach this in school.. The subject came up just the other day while I was speaking with a friend and I was quite astonished when my reference to Diogenes was met with a baffled stare. A very overlooked historical figure, indeed!
Alchiel 1 year ago
@Alchiel really why do you think they dont? Diogenes while a smart and wise man, was not really a philosopher, but rather a man like socrates. Not really doing anything but making others think about the actions they did and the statements they make.
Neesel2 1 year ago
This is deeply flawed, & this is how;
Sps you are standing in front of Diogenes of Sinope, sps you express your admiration for his Phil, & sps you ask him a Q; "What is your opinion of Phil?" Then what would be his A??? Yep, that's right. "Fuck Off." That would be his answer. You are at most a wannabe, but not certainly a practitioner. This is why you shouldn't learn Phil in a college. Ask Diogenes of Sinope. See what he has to say about Phil education. :D
Cheers.
nonaCbarC 1 year ago
this might be the best youtube video I have ever witnessed.
bungerman1000 1 year ago 15
@bungerman1000 Wow, that's quite a compliment. Thanks for saying so.
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
@bungerman1000 Be sure to check out the sequel on Blaise Pascal.
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
I glimpsed some typos in the text, but otherwise, very cool video. Thanks.
VictoriaEatingCake 1 year ago
Public Masturbation FTW !!!!!
Jackthemeat 1 year ago 14
Great presentation!
Very impressive and funny quotes! :-)
volcardi 1 year ago
Diogenes is a man who stoods up for what he is believing in no matter what. He supports cosmopolitanism and (i think) one of the founders of Cynicism. I have read that he intellectually argued with Alexander the great causing him to be demolished completely.
ParacelsusXXXHadas 1 year ago
there was no temptation of power for diogenes....it didn't exist...the true nihilist
melkon1an 1 year ago
Diogenes Of Sinope
"Socrates Gone Mad" - Plato
TenderTrap86 1 year ago
you like porcupine tree? i didn't think it was possible, but my opinion of you just wen tup even further lol
xanderthegreatt 1 year ago
Love PT. They're setting the new standard for amazing in music. "In Absentia" is probably in my top 10 albums of the last decade.
SisyphusRedeemed 1 year ago
John 18:38
Who are you going to believe? Why?
Ebal the Atheist
ebaltrace 2 years ago
Most badass encounter in history.
itsbizbuz 2 years ago
For example if you really think about it what are the odds that Alexander the Great really DID visit, sit down and chat with, and then leave in admiration of a bum like Diogenes? Also there is evidence that the so called Socratic Method - which Plato would have you believe was invented by Socrates out of his unquenchable thirst for answers - was already a discipline well in practice in the Sophistic schools before Socrates' birth.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
I would also like to add that you have to keep the art in mind here. Artists like Raphael are depicting Diogenes in a very divine sense. In real life the man was probably filthy and smelly. Just like any bum off the street today. Not that that matters, but it would also do good to remember that a lot of the early stories of of the lives of people like Diogenes and Socrates were probably dramatized to fit their creed more.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
Philosophy, along with all other pretentious things, at least in the traditional sense of seeking wisdom and enlightnment IS useless. And Diogenes knew this. That's why I have respect for him.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
I don't understand this. Philosophy, as an academic discipline, has given us the world we live in today; morals, beliefs, manners, culture, art, math, science, etc. Although I do not totally disagree with you, engineering, for example is arguably much more important today than philosophy - same goes with science and math. But science, math, and engineering grew out of philosophy - everything did. To say it is useless is a misinformed, arrogant, and EQUALLY pretentious point of view.
Panglossie 2 years ago
1. Traditional philosophy is flawed by virtue of its ONE presupposition - that wisdom in fact exists. Socrates CLAIMED to consider himself NOT wise. But in his quest for wisdom, he implied himself to be wise in knowing that such a thing as wisdom existed.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
2. However later philosophies like phenomenology (specifically existentialism, pragmatism, etc) and deconstruction are the only disciplines I consider truly noble because they don't presuppose such things. In fact they challenge the concept of being wiser than your fellow man or any sense of metaphysical or moral enlightenment. Instead they're far more humanistic - encouraging a faith in your own volition and self-sustaining capacity in a nihilistic universe.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
3. Finally I think you're stretching things by saying philosophy has given us the entire world, including science and math. I posit that math came with the rise of accounting which came with the rise of commerce during the neolithic era - in that sense it predates traditional or "logos" philosophy.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
4. Now science is a discipline that stands on the backs of a VAST array of different giants both in the form of people and long known observations and customs - its method is a conglomerated record of the common attitudes of peoples who've made great discoveries or inventions throughout the ages. To be sure philosophy - specifically empiricism (which is a movement that spans beyond the field of philosophy) is ONE of its (late) founding fathers.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
5. But it is by no means its only one or even a considerably vital one.
Keep in mind I sent you a 5 part reply.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
1) I'm going to keep this short because you didn't really say much. You've agreed with me more or less in a roundabout way. I will say, once again, that I don't disagree (there are plenty of other academic endeavors that are arguably more important that philosophy, but philosophy currently is once again realigning with science - especially cognitive science. In fact, many scientists and mathematicians are turning to philosophers for answers.
Panglossie 2 years ago
What about biomedical ethics? - A huge up and coming practical application of philosophy to REAL medical problems.
Originally you stated philosophy is useless, this is not the case - obviously. This simply cannot be even argued.
I hate to commit a logical fallacy here, but I will anyway. Head over to your nearest university campus and consult every professor that is employed there and ask them about how important philosophy has been over the ages. I can assure you that you won't be happy
Panglossie 2 years ago
3) with your responses. You seem like an educated individual and once again, I don't totally disagree with you, but to argue/state philosophy is useless or unimportant is just plain silly.
Panglossie 2 years ago
>I can assure you that you won't be happy
How do you know I won't be happy that I'm wrong? Btw I WOULD like you to note that when I said philosophy was useless I was talking about a very stipulated and specific genre of it.
NearVSMello 2 years ago
>In fact, many scientists and mathematicians are turning to philosophers for answers.
Really? Well I'll take your word for it. Personally I haven't seen philosophy as a very succesfull institution outside the academic field. Sure there the famous authors but I'm not aware of as you say "scientists turning to them for answers."
NearVSMello 2 years ago
I don't totally disagree, it is extremely academic and yes, many times useless - haha. BUT it is behind the scenes on many, many important issues and problems, both scientific and mathematic.
Panglossie 2 years ago
sounds like an annoying bum
tranquilbluesky 2 years ago
I LOVE DIOGENES OF SINOPE!
tuciitis16 2 years ago
wow, that guy kind of reminds me of me...im not angry and bitter yet lol, but im not surrounded by idiots :S
sonicsoul0 2 years ago
2:10 lolz
Deathicorn 2 years ago
i will say philosophy is finally proven completely useless with this amazing and insightful look into a mans life who merely said "wise" things contextually in the moment. and lived according. i too envy diogenes. great work sisyphusredeemed.
fromsoiltosoul 2 years ago
thank you for this vid. now i have something better than wiki, or a hurried self-written testemony, when i want to show people who/what diogenes was.
one point in addition to your video. it has been said that alexander said to diogenes 'if i couldn't be alexander, i'd want to be diogenes' (similar to what was said in your video) to which diogenes replied 'if i wasn't diogenes, i'd want to be diogenes as well'.
wilhelmgras 2 years ago
5*`s is not enough!
Eron2828 2 years ago
I have probably seen this video 10 times now...
Peonardon 2 years ago
Gotta love the Cynics. Anthisthenes, Crates, and to an extent Zeno and Epictetus who were known for being very simple, rather eccentric Stoics. And, of course, who could could leave out that 5 Star General in the Army Of The Dog, that "Socrates gone mad", the one and only, Diogenes.
TenderTrap86 2 years ago
part of the theching of diogenes and his folowers the cunicks philoshophers survived in the greeks songs call it "rebetika"
saltadoros08 2 years ago
the greatest of the teachers diogenis from sinopi of pontos!
saltadoros08 2 years ago 2