On Sin

[sdi]

Diogenes was a native of Sinope in Asia Minor, the son of a money-changer. He was a very ambitious young man, and consulted the oracle of Delphi on what he should do to become famous. "Debase the currency," the oracle said. The young man returned home and did so, being swiftly discovered and sent into exile. He ended up in Athens, studied philosophy with Antisthenes, and in time became as notorious for his scandalous wit as Plato was famous for his scholarly wisdom, thus proving the oracle correct.

Years later, a traveler passing through Athens recognized Diogenes from his youth and berated him for his criminal behavior. "You fool," Diogenes replied, "don't you understand that is what made me a philosopher?"