Diogenes was an exponent of Cynicism, which called for a repudiation of most human convention and complete independence of mind and spirit.

He maintained that a man should be free of all material things. He carried this view to extremes in his own life. He used a tub for shelter and walked the streets barefoot.

Legend has it that when Alexander the Great came to see Diogenes, who was sunning himself, the world conquerer said: 'Ask any favour you wish' Diogenes replied : 'Then I would have you stand from me and the sun'.