Of what use is a philosopher who doesn't hurt anybody's feelings?
DiogenesRead
The sun too penetrates into privies, but is not polluted by them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the idea of maintaining one's purity or virtue despite exposure to negativity or corruption.
Diogenes uses the metaphor of the sun, which shines universally and is not affected by what it illuminates, to highlight the importance of staying untainted by the negativity in our surroundings. It suggests that one can be surrounded by undesirable situations but still remain pure of heart and mind, reflecting a significant philosophical stance on the nature of virtue and integrity.
Themes
PurityVirtueIntegrityNegativityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about maintaining one's values in a toxic work environment.
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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.
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I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.
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We come into the world alone and we die alone. Why, in life, should we be any less alone?
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All things are in common among friends.
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