Man is the most intelligent of the animals – and the most silly.
Meaning of the quote
According to the Greek philosopher Diogenes, humans are the smartest animals, but we can also be very foolish. We have incredible intelligence and capabilities, but we often make silly decisions or behave in strange ways. Diogenes believes that while humans are the most intelligent creatures, we are also the most foolish at times.
About Diogenes
Diogenes was a famous Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynicism. He was known for his unorthodox lifestyle, philosophical stunts, and criticisms of society. Despite having no authenticated writings, his life and teachings have been passed down through anecdotes and historical accounts.
More quotes from Diogenes
The vine bears three kinds of grapes: the first of pleasure, the second of intoxication, the third of disgust.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
I am called a dog because I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
Blushing is the color of virtue.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
I do not know whether there are gods, but there ought to be.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
Those who have virtue always in their mouths, and neglect it in practice, are like a harp, which emits a sound pleasing to others, while itself is insensible of the music.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
He has the most who is most content with the least.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
A friend is one soul abiding in two bodies.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
When I look upon seamen, men of science and philosophers, man is the wisest of all beings; when I look upon priests and prophets nothing is as contemptible as man.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
I know nothing, except the fact of my ignorance.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
Most men are within a finger’s breadth of being mad.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
It was a favorite expression of Theophrastus that time was the most valuable thing that a man could spend.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
Wise kings generally have wise counselors; and he must be a wise man himself who is capable of distinguishing one.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
Stand a little less between me and the sun.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
I have nothing to ask but that you would remove to the other side, that you may not, by intercepting the sunshine, take from me what you cannot give.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
As a matter of self-preservation, a man needs good friends or ardent enemies, for the former instruct him and the latter take him to task.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
The sun, too, shines into cesspools and is not polluted.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
The sun too penetrates into privies, but is not polluted by them.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
The mob is the mother of tyrants.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
The great thieves lead away the little thief.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
I threw my cup away when I saw a child drinking from his hands at the trough.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher
Man is the most intelligent of the animals – and the most silly.
4th-century BC Greek Cynic philosopher