Diogenes and Alexander

China
October 30, 2013 9:24am CST
Hi, everyone. I've just learned an essay from my textbook- Diogenes and Alexander by Gilbert Highet. I like the essay very much for its precise language. But also I don't understand why did Diogenes take his old cask and roll it up and down when the Corinthians prepared for a war. What did he intend to imply by his queer act? Here I quote a passage from the text : [i][/i]To a gentleman whose servant was putting on his shoes for him, Diogenes said," You won't be really happy until wipes your nose for you: that will come after you lose the use of your hands." I wonder the implied meaning of his words. And what's meaning of "wipes your nose" here? I find the following two sentences interesting: [i][/i]Stand to one side. You're blocking my sunlight. If I were not Alexander, I should be Diogenes. How do you understand them?
1 response
Shasta
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
31 Oct 13
The dialogue between him and Alexander had me in stitches. Cask rolling:Diogenes stated that he felt he should be doing something since the Corinthians were all so busy. I think he meant to express that they were doing something useless. Gentleman and servant The gentlemen is super lazy and another useless thing is being done. wipe: To cleanse or dry by lightly rubbing Stand to one side:Diogenes wanted to get a tan, but Alex was blocking his light. If I were not Alexander, I should be Diogenes. Alex was paying a compliment by saying he wanted to be like Diogenes. If you know anything about Diogenes, how he lived his life, his mindset, etc. that will help you to understand him better. If not, you should really take some time to study him.
Sophie1994
@Sophie1994 (31)
• China
31 Oct 13
Indeed, that's an interesting article.You mean they were doing something useless like Diogenes's cask rolling? So that's a kind of sarcasm and it's no use to fight for possessions. No possessions, no wars. A servant is the possession that a real man doesn't need.(just as the rough wooden cup Diogenes used to have) And Alex wanted to be like Diogenes in what ways?
1 person likes this
Shasta
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
31 Oct 13
Exactly. Alex wanted to have Diogenes ability to relax and not have so many worries. He could have if he were not so hell-bent on conquering the world.