Diogenes is considered to be one of the most controversial figures in history. One of the founders of Cynicism, a philosophical school of thought, Diogenes advocated for poverty and shamelessness, rejecting conventional desires for money, authority, power, and wealth, along with the importance of socio-economic status. He also was known for disregarding the teachings of Pluto and Socrates. He lived between 412-323 BC, at the same time as Alexander the Great, who was born in 336. Alexander the Great was a king of Macedon, the ancient Greek kingdom. He is known as one of the greatest military commanders in history, who has never lost a battle, despite being outnumbered. To some extent, these two historical figures are opposites of each other in terms of their personal qualities, values, lifestyles, and legacy.
Diogenes had been taking the philosophy of Cynicism to extremes, leading a very simplistic lifestyle. He was against conventions and criticized social institutions, as he believed they were corrupt. The notion of Cynicism lies in that it encouraged life in connection with nature and freedom from conventionality, wealth, and authority. Julie Piering explains the semantic origin of the word “cynicism”: “kunikos,” or “kynikos,” from Greek means “dog-like” (92). Diogenes was known for living and eating in any place he wanted to in a non-traditional fashion, often sleeping in a large ceramic jar.
In contrast, Alexander the Great is the classic example of great nobility: he was the son of Phillip II of Macedon, who was a role model for young Alexander. From an early age, Alexander the Great had boundless ambitions in conquering the world. According to Green, his education was “physically demeaning” since he was trained to be a perfect warrior (15). Alexander the Great also was fond of arts and science because he was brought up by Aristotle.
The most apparent difference between Diogenes and Alexander the Great is in their lifestyles and personal qualities. Green reports that Alexander used to show symptoms of megalomania during his final months of life, a disorder that is characterized by an obsession with power and superiority (23). While Diogenes rejected the notions of authority and embraced the virtues of poverty, Alexander the Great was conducting countless military campaigns, conquering the lands from Greece to India. Green describes that these achievements made Alexander even hungrier for power, and his plans became unrealistic in execution (23). He wanted Philip’s tomb to match Great Pyramid, build Lavish temples at Delos, Delphi, and elsewhere, and relocate the mass population between Europe and Asia (23). Alexander’s behavior is a complete opposite to Diogenes’ and his values: the philosopher and his followers positioned themselves on the margins of society, rejecting non-essential materialistic possession.
One of the most famous anecdotes in philosophical history is the meeting of Alexander the Great and Diogenes. Alexander the Great, who was already known as an excellent military commander, went to see Diogenes to fulfill Diogenes’ wish. Plutarch in his The Parallel Lives provides a full context for the anecdote: Alexander the Great, while staying in Corinth, expected Diogenee to congratulate him. However, Diogenes did not go, and Alexander went to see him in person. Diogenes was lying in the sun, and rose when he saw that people surrounded Alexander. The commander came up to him and asked what the philosopher desired, to which Diogenes replied “Stand a little out of my sun” (Plutarch 261). This encounter demonstrates Diogenes’ disregard for any level of authority, despite Alexander’s status and people’s admiration for him.
Therefore, it shows that not only the public realized that these two historical figures were opposite of each other, both Alexander the Great and Diogenes saw a significant difference between them. What is even more interesting is Alexander’s response to Diogenes’ words: “But verily, if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes” (Plutarch 261). He was shocked by Diogenes’ brutal honestly and grandeur and admired his haughtiness. One can speculate, Alexander’s reaction can be interpreted as him finding similarities between himself and Diogenes; otherwise, he would not have said that he “would be Diogenes.” On the other hand, his words can be understood that as if he was not a noble king, he wished to be like Diogenes, who did not have to possess authority as means of gaining power. In turn, Diogenes, with his comment, made clear that he does not recognize Alexander the Great as someone of his own, not he expects him to be.
In conclusion, there is a striking difference between these two notable historical figures, a military commander and a philosopher. Despite that, they still share a common ground in placing their morals on a pedestal and strictly following their principles. While Alexander the Great was studying and training hard to be a worthy king and conqueror, Diogenes has put himself through the hardships of a simple life, rejecting all worldly possessions. Despite their mutual understanding of their differences and philosophical value, they also share an interest in freedom and self-authority since they are both very independent historical figures.
Works Cited
Green, Peter. Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age: A Short History. Phoenix, 2008.
Piering, Julie. “Diogenes of Sinope.” The Philosophers’ Magazine, no. 92, 2021, pp. 92-98, Web.
Plutarch. The Parallel Lives. The University of Chicago, Web.