HISTORIAS                    Manuel Espejo

Diogenes and Alexander

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Alexander the Great, the fabled leader of Macedonia, once made a visit to Diogenes of Sinope, the renowned cynic philosopher who resided in a barrel and shunned the conventions of civilized life.

The Macedonian ruler was in Corinth, where Diogenes lived. Many prominent figures from the city and its surroundings, including scholars and sages, approached Alexander with flattery, greetings, gifts, and offerings. Yet, Diogenes did not partake in the customary formalities. This piqued the curiosity of Aristotle's disciple, who, well aware of Diogenes' fame, decided to pay him a visit.

Diogenes was a controversial figure in ancient Greece. He rejected conventional values like wealth, power, and fame, advocating instead for a simpler, more natural existence. Tales about Diogenes include anecdotes of him carrying a lit lamp in the daytime as he searched for an honest person in the market. Other stories about him are less flattering. However, none of these accounts can be definitively confirmed, as much of Diogenes' life is shrouded in legend.

Continuing the narrative, Alexander found the Greek philosopher basking in the sun. The future emperor loomed over the old man and proclaimed, "I am Alexander, the great king," to which Diogenes replied, "I am Diogenes, the dog."

At that time, the young and audacious ruler of Macedonia, stood before the philosopher, was already the conqueror of Greece. In just a few years, he would become the world's conqueror. Alexander sought to demonstrate his immense power to the destitute philosopher who lived as a beggar, emphasizing the superiority of his military might over the philosopher's seemingly insignificant ideas. He aimed to humiliate Diogenes and dazzle him with his martial prowess. Alexander was confident in his ability to fulfill any request Diogenes might make. He wanted to show that he could conquer anyone through the force of arms or through bribery, with Diogenes being no exception. So, he arrogantly offered to grant Diogenes one wish and asked him what he desired. In response, Diogenes, after a moment's contemplation, delivered a terse and emotionless request to the warlord: "Stand a little out of my sun." The legend does not mention whether the homeless thinker added any pleasantries or courtesies to his words.

Immediately, upon witnessing Diogenes publicly ridicule the monarch, onlookers believed this might be the cynic's last day. Nonetheless, it is said that the almost divine ruler of the world, the most powerful man on Earth, was left dumbfounded and speechless by this brash statement. However, it seems that he was not displeased by what transpired. Later, as he silently returned from the encounter, Alexander, recognizing the candid arrogance and grandeur of a man who felt nothing but disdain for him, spoke quietly and solemnly to his followers, saying, "If I were not Alexander, I would want to be Diogenes."

Legend has it that both Diogenes and Alexander died on the same day in 323 BCE.