The Greek philosopher Diogenes, also known as Diogenes the Cynic, was born in Sinope, Turkiye, between 413 and 403 B.C. Exiled from his native country (the date is unclear), apparently as the result of some sort of family financial scandal, he spent the remainder of his 90 or so years in Greece, where he became known for his “ascetic lifestyle, biting wit, and radical critiques of social conventions.” [Wikipedia biography.]

Ever the eccentric, he was seen walking through town one bright day carrying a lighted lantern. When asked what he was doing, he reportedly replied: “I am looking for an honest man.”

I’m sure I would have liked Diogenes the Cynic, both for his irreverent sense of humor and his total disdain for pretentious and dishonest people. Many of the sayings attributed to him are as meaningful in today’s world as they were more than two millennia ago. And in that context, today’s selected quote speaks volumes in just seven words:

“The mob is the mother of tyrants.”

*. *. *

Which brings to mind this nightmarish mob event of nearly five years ago:

It seems that mankind hasn’t learned a thing since Diogenes’ day . . . which is perhaps our greatest tragedy of all.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
11/7/25