Diogenes was a famous Greek philosopher① of the fourth century BC who established the philosophy of cynicism.
He often walked about in the daytime holding a lighted lantern， peering② around as if he were looking for something. When questioned about his odd behavior， he would reply， “I am searching for an honest man.”
Diogenes held that the good man was self-sufficient and did not require material comforts or wealth. He believed that wealth and possessions constrained③ humanity’s natural state of freedom.
In keeping with his philosophy， he was perfectly satisfied with making his home in a large tub discarded from the temple of Cybele， the goddess of nature. This earthen tub， called an altar， and formerly been used for holding wine or oil for the sacrifices at the temple.
One day， Alexander the Great， conqueror④ of half the civilized world， saw Diogenes sitting in this tub in the sunshine.
So the king， surrounded by his countries， approached⑤ Diogenes and said， “I am Alexander the Great.” The philosopher replied rather contemptuously， “I am Diogenes， the Cynic.” Alexander then asked him 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.”
① philosophern. 哲学家
② peerv. 凝视，盯着看
③ constrainv. 限制，束缚，拘禁
④ conquerorn. 征服者，胜利者
⑤ approachv. 接近，靠近
一位值得纪念的希腊人
提奥奇尼斯是公元前4世纪一位非常著名的希腊哲学家，他创立了犬儒派哲学。
他经常在白天点着灯笼四处走动、张望，好像是在找什么东西似的。当人们问起他这古怪行为之时，他会回答说：“我正在寻找正人君子。”
提奥奇尼斯认为好人是自给自足的，不需要物质享受和财富。他认为财富、财产束缚了人们天生的自由状态。
与他的哲学相一致，他拿一个别人从自然之母的庙里丢弃的大坛作为自己的家，还对此万分满意。这个陶制的大坛叫做圣坛，过去在庙里是用来盛装祭祀用的酒和油的。
一天，征服了半个文明世界的亚历山大大帝看见提奥奇尼斯坐在大坛里晒太阳。
于是这位君主在大臣们的簇拥下走过去，对提奥奇尼斯说：“我是亚历山大大帝。” 哲学家相当傲慢地回答说：“我是提奥奇尼——犬儒学者。” 然后亚历山大问他是否需要任何帮助。
“是的，”提奥奇尼斯驳回道，“别站在我与太阳之间。” 而后大吃一惊的亚历大迅速回答道：“假如我不是亚历山大，我就会是提奥奇尼斯。”