Diogenes the Cynic, being in the house of Plato, strode over the carpets with his dirty feet, saying I trample the pride of Plato. True, said Plato, but with a greater pride.
Seeing a very unskilful archer shoot, he seated himself by the mark. The reason was That he may not hit me.
Going to the town of Myndus, and seeing the gates very large, and the town small, he called out Men of Myndus! shut your gates least the town should escape.
Being asked of what beast the bite is most dangerous, he answered Of wild beasts, that of a slanderer: of tame, that of a flatterer.
Entering a dirty bath he said Where are those washed who wash here?
Being asked what wine he liked best, he said Another’s.
Crates the Cynic of Thebes, being asked a remedy for love, said Hunger is one remedy. Time is a better. The best is a rope.
Theophrastus to one who was silent in company said If you are a fool you do wisely! if you are wise you do foolishly.
Empedocles saying to Xenophanes the philosopher “That a wise man could not be found.” True, answered Xenophanes, for it must be a wise man who knows him.