Diogenes Quotes

The way to fame goes through the palaces, the way to happiness does through the markets, the way to virtue goes through the deserts.

I don't need the fame or power.

Diogenes found more rest in his tub than Alexander on his throne.

By worrying as little as possible about fame.

I don't know, the word 'famous' just sounds really weird to me, because I'm just me.

The best work I can do is to take myself as much as I can out of it and get it as simple as I can.

When I look around, I begin to understand what Socrates meant when he said, 'How much there is in the world I do not want.'

Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.

If fame belonged to me, I could not escape her; if she did not, the longest day would pass me on the chase, and the approbation of my dog would forsake me then. My barefoot rank is better.

Desire nothing, give up all desires and be happy.

First and foremost, the monk should own nothing in this world, but he should have as his possessions solitude of the body, modesty of bearing, a modulated tone of voice, and a well-ordered manner of speech. He should be without anxiety as to his food and drink, and should eat in silence.

Material things don't matter.

I'm as famous as I want to be.

Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.

I don't want to surpass anyone. I don't want to be better than anyone else.

If I had all the spotlight, that would be great. I'd be happy with that. If I didn't have the spotlight, that would be great as well.

Material things are delightful, but they're not important.

I'm not a guy who's about the material things.

It doesn't worry me how I'm remembered.

I'm not interested in being known for anything other than the work.

Lack of desire is the greatest riches.

I never changed anything, except my socks and my underwear. And I never did anything to glorify myself or improve my lot. I took what came and did the best I could with it.

Egolessness is contentment.

Become simple and live simply, not only within yourself but also in your everyday dealings. Don’t make ripples all around you, don’t try to be interesting, keep your distance, be honest, fight the desire to be thought fascinating by the outside world.

Being happy with less is what makes a great human being, not a big house with marble floors, or everyone knowing who you are.