50 A Greek to Remember

Diogenes was a famous Greek philosopher of the fourth century B.C. who espoused the philosophy of “cynicism.” He often walked about in the daytime holding a lighted lantern, peering around; when asked why, he would reply, “I am searching for an honest man.”

Diogenes believed that a good person should be free from material luxuries or wealth. He thought that wealth and possessions conflicted with human beings’ natural state of freedom. In keeping with this philosophy, Diogenes was perfectly satisfied with making his home in a large tub discarded from the temple of Cybèle, the goddess of nature. This earthen tub, called a pithos, had been used for holding wine or oil for sacrifices performed at the temple.

One day Alexander the Great, conqueror of half the civilized world, saw Diogenes sitting in his tub in the sunshine. Surrounded by his courtiers, the king approached Diogenes and said, “I am Alexander the Great.” The philosopher replied contemptuously, “I am Diogenes the Cynic.” Alexander then asked if he could help him in any way. “Yes,” shot back Diogenes, “don’t stand between me and the sun.” A surprised Alexander then replied quickly, “If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.”

50 一位值得铭记的希腊人

第欧根尼是公元前4世纪著名的希腊哲学家，信奉“犬儒主义”哲学。他经常在白天提着一盏点燃的灯笼四处走动，四处张望；当被问及原因时，他会回答：“我在寻找一个诚实的人。”

第欧根尼认为，好人应该摆脱物质享受和财富的束缚。他觉得财富和财产与人类自由的自然状态相冲突。按照这一哲学，第欧根尼非常满足于把家安在一个从自然女神西布莉神庙丢弃的大陶罐里。这个陶罐叫做“皮托斯”，曾被用来盛放神庙祭祀用的酒或油。

有一天，征服了半个文明世界的亚历山大大帝，看到第欧根尼坐在阳光下的陶罐里。这位被朝臣簇拥的国王走近第欧根尼，说：“我是亚历山大大帝。”哲学家轻蔑地回答：“我是犬儒第欧根尼。”亚历山大接着问他是否能帮上什么忙。“可以，”第欧根尼回击道，“别挡在我和太阳之间。”惊讶的亚历山大立刻回道：“如果我不是亚历山大，我会做第欧根尼。”