Diogenes of Sinope
was a Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynic philosophy. Also known as Diogenes the Cynic (Ancient Greek: Διογένης ὁ Κυνικός), he was born in Sinope (modern-day Sinop, Turkey), an Ionian colony on the Black Sea in 412 or 404 BC and died at Corinth in 323 BC.
Diogenes of Sinope was a controversial figure. He believed that virtue was better revealed in action than in theory. He used his simple lifestyle and behaviour to criticize the social values and institutions of what he saw as a corrupt or at least confused society. He declared himself a cosmopolitan and a citizen of the world rather than claiming allegiance to just one place. He begged for a living and often slept in a large ceramic jar in the marketplace.
He criticized and embarrassed Plato, disputed his interpretation of Socrates and sabotaged his lectures, sometimes distracting attendees by bringing food and eating during the discussions.
Diogenes was also responsible for publicly mocking Alexander the Great.
