DIOGENES - MAN

<BODY> <CENTER><FONT SIZE=5><B><FONT SIZE=6>DIOGENES</FONT><BR> THE CYNIC</B></FONT></CENTER><P> <FONT SIZE=4><B>Man</B></FONT><P> <TABLE ALIGN=Left BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=1> <TR> <TD><IMG ALIGN=Left SRC="0808a.jpg" WIDTH="193" HEIGHT="200" ALT="DOG"></TD> </TR> </TABLE> Diogenes deemed man the most intelligent and the most foolish of the animals. For the proper conduct of human life, he claimed, we need "right reason or a halter". Most needed the halter. Few warranted the description "man". Numerous anecdotes relate his distinction between "men" and the majority of humans. He is said to have wandered through the market place bearing a lamp in broad daylight proclaiming: "I am looking for a man." This status was unrelated to social status or wealth. It was a matter of self mastery. Only then, could you rightfully assume mastery over others. Even those who society deemed to be slaves could be more worthy than the most powerful and wealthy.<BR clear=left><BR> In response to the announcement of an Olympian athlete as victor over men, Diogenes said "No, he is victorious over slaves, I over men." Slavery was a matter of attitude. Diogenes himself had once been captured and sold as a slave. When asked by the slave master what he could do, he replied: "Govern men", and asked for a buyer who wanted a master. He told his purchaser, Xeniades, you must obey me. Xeniades made him tutor to his sons who did indeed obey and revere him. <BR clear=left><BR> <HR width=100%> <A HREF="http://www.creatorix.com.au"><IMG SRC="../creatorix.gif" WIDTH="85" HEIGHT="40" BORDER="0" ALT="Creatorix" align=right></A> </BODY>