The Daily Stoic The Most Misunderstood Philosopher of All Time | Diogenes Expert Inger Kuin
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Nov 19, 2025 
Inger Kuin, an Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Virginia and author of a biography on Diogenes, delves into the life of this radical philosopher. They explore how Diogenes influenced Stoicism with his audacious commitment to honesty and minimalism. Kuin shares captivating anecdotes, like the cup story, illustrating his disdain for excess. The conversation also touches on his iconic confrontations and the pragmatism behind his actions, challenging listeners to rethink their modern comforts and what it means to live a meaningful life.
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Diogenes Originated A Core Stoic Idea
- Diogenes framed 'living in accordance with nature' as discovering and acting on what suits your true nature through philosophy and reason.
- The Stoics adopted this idea but reinterpreted it to include fate and social roles as part of one's nature.
The One-Cup Lesson
- Ryan and Inger discuss Diogenes' famous cup story where he shatters a cup after seeing a boy drink with his hands.
- The story illustrates Diogenes' radical minimalism and rejection of unnecessary possessions.
Why Diogenes' Stories Endure
- Diogenes' surviving stories are short, vivid, and rooted in everyday life, which makes them memorable across millennia.
- Their condensed, performative form preserved their core message without requiring dense philosophical treatises.
