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Jean-Leon Gerome’s Diogenes, 1860 (Gandalf’s Gallery / Flickr)

How Ancient Greek Philosopher Diogenes Teaches Us: Live Simply, Find Happiness (Video)

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Ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes lived in the 4th century BC and is known for his unconventional and radical lifestyle. He rejected materialism and believed that true happiness could only be achieved by living a simple life in accordance with nature. Diogenes famously lived in a large ceramic jar and owned nothing but a cloak and a staff. He rejected social norms and conventions, often engaging in provocative behavior to challenge the status quo. Diogenes believed in self-sufficiency and self-reliance, and his teachings emphasized the importance of inner freedom and personal autonomy.

This video discusses the lessons that can be learned from the life of Diogenes. In today's society, many people believe that accumulating wealth and material possessions is the key to happiness, but Diogenes' philosophy challenges this belief by advocating for a minimalist lifestyle. By getting rid of our desire for luxuries and being content with a simple life, we can achieve true happiness, which is what Diogenes demonstrated through his own life.

Top image: Jean-Leon Gerome’s Diogenes, 1860 (Gandalf’s Gallery / Flickr)

By Joanna Gillan

 

Comments

Pete Wagner's picture

Yes, my friend.  Seems now they are just ‘biden time’ until some big impending thing happens.  It’s too surreal otherwise.  The big question I have is – what does Putin know and NOT telling the world, ...the truth ‘the empire of lies’.  I just know that I don’t know, and so I watch closely and try to help piece together the logic/cause and effect, and MAYBE see something in advance of it coming.  But even with that, what can you do?  We live in a world – the so-called modern world – that began on a planet of ruins, bone-filled caverns, and lies.  Would they (those who control the West) EVER come clean on that?  Talk about a WOW MOMENT!

Nobody gets paid to tell the truth.

AI and robotics shall make workers obsolete. Those enjoying their luxurious elite global capitalist lifestyle (or a modern Luxor lifestyle) won't need mere workers any more and certainly not seven billion others getting in the road.

Huxley and Orwell did not warn us as much as simply told us it would happen. As with Einstein, their popular public image may not have been a true reflection of their intentions.

Much of 20th century history is rather removed from the truth. Taking things at face value is a slippery slope towards a cowardly new world.

Many seem to think that because of Huxley, Orwell and their ilk, catastrophe was averted. There is a distinct possibility the opposite was the case. One should never underestimate the capacity of the many to leave important matters to the very few and usually the wrong few.

Relying on somebody else doing something is a very human response, but not a good one.

Living simply today is like socialism. It shall only work if everyone is fully committed to it and that, of course, can never happen where humanity is concerned. Once the genie is out of the bottle, there is no putting it back.

Pete Wagner's picture

They like money, especially when they have a lot more than their workers, who must show up and do the job, or be hungry and homeless.  ‘Forgive me for my trespassing, and can you spare a day-old loaf of bread?’  It’s still a choice.

Nobody gets paid to tell the truth.

Those promoting this belief, which of itself is not particularly at odds with my own for that matter, include many of those who live an Uber-Capitalist, elite lifestyle and have no intention of changing that.

This belief is for their subjugated masses. In their eyes, we don't need luxuries and that includes life itself.

Pete Wagner's picture

Read ‘the Lord’s Prayer’ closely and think about it.  Be homeless (without possessions) but respectful, beg for bread and ask to be forgiven for trespassing.  Live forever?

Nobody gets paid to tell the truth.

Joanna Gillan's picture

Joanna

Joanna Gillan is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. 

Joanna completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree in Australia and published research in the field of Educational Psychology. She has a rich and varied career, ranging from teaching... Read More

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