CW Aesop A: Diogenes

Diogenes
By The Older

Diogenes was a strange man but extremely wise. He thought people didn’t need luxuries and to show that he lived in a barrel.

One day, Diogenes walked through the streets carrying a lamp. The people asked, “What are you doing,” The sage replied, “I am looking for an honest man.”

One day, Alexander the Great came to the city to see Diogenes.
One man said “Hail the mighty Alexander the Great!” But Diogenes didn’t come to see him. So, Alexander searched for the wise man.

Alexander found him and said, “I will give you anything you want in the world, Diogenes.”
The strange man replied, “Would you please move? You are blocking the sun.”
“He is a fool not to take such an offer,” the people murmured.

Alexander thought that if he were not Alexander, he would want to be Diogenes.

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Diogenes
by The Younger

Once there was a man named Diogenes. He lived in a tub. He was very wise. He always said no man should have more than he needed. Every day he sat in the sun and preached worthy advice to people around him.

“Diogenes is so wise, Alexander is coming to see him.” said the people excitedly.

Alexander sailed to Corinth. Diogenes wasn’t there to meet him. So, Alexander searched for him. When he found him, the wise man was lying in the sun. When he saw Alexander coming, Diogenes sat up.

“I’ll give you anything you want.” Alexander offered, “What will it be?”
“Could you please stand a little to the side? You are blocking the sun.” Diogenes answered.

Alexander left. Later he told his adviser, “I would like to be Diogenes if I were not Alexander.”

The End