THE Greeks assembled at the Isthmus of Corinth, and voted to march against Persia with Alexander as their general. Dozens of statesmen and philosophers came to him to offer their congratulations, and Alexander hoped that Diogenes of Sinope, who was on holiday in Corinth, would do the same.
But Diogenes set little store by Alexander, and continued his break in Craneion. So Alexander went there in person, only to find him sunbathing.
Aware now that he was surrounded by spectators, Diogenes hoisted himself up a little, and turned his gaze on Alexander, who greeted him and then asked if there was anything he could do for him. ‘You can step to the side,’ suggested Diogenes, ‘out of my sunshine.’
They say that Alexander was so confounded by this reply, and so amazed at the man’s contemptuous disdain and lofty tone, that he said to his entourage (who were sneering and laughing as they moved away), ‘I’ll tell you this much, if I weren’t Alexander, I’d be Diogenes.’
Précis
After Alexander was chosen to lead the Greeks against Persia, he eagerly sought the approbation of Diogenes, who was holidaying nearby. But a sunbathing Diogenes only complained that it was cold in Alexander’s shadow. Alexander’s sycophantic entourage dismissed Diogenes as an old fool, but Alexander hinted that they would be better following the courageous philosopher’s example. (56 / 60 words)