Diogenes in the News
It isn't everyday that the most famous ancient (2,300 year old) Cynic philosopher, Diogenes, makes the news, but there is an Op-Ed piece in the NYTimes about him: April 1, 2009 Op-Ed Contributor Cynicism We Can Believe In By SIMON CRITCHLEY SOME 2,300 years after his death, Diogenes the Cynic dramatically interrupted a recent New York State Senate committee meeting. Wearing a long, white beard and carrying his trademark lamp in broad daylight, the ancient philosopher — who once described himself as “a Socrates gone mad” — claimed to be looking for an honest man in politics. Considering the never-ending allegations of financial corruption that flow from the sump of Albany, it’s no surprise that he was unsuccessful. This resurrected Diogenes was, in fact, Randy Credico, a comedian who says he is considering challenging Senator Charles Schumer in the 2010 Democratic primary. Whatever boost Mr. Credico’s prank provides his campaign, it might also cause us to reflect a little on the mea...