Diogenes

“How did a contrary, clay-pot-dwelling, 4th century BCE original plant an explosion in thought that would continue to detonate from the Stoics and the Cynics, to Erasmus, Rousseau, and Foucault? Inger Kuin returns Diogenes to his context, peeling away the myths, approaching her idiosyncratic subject on his own terms, acknowledging the myriad holes in the record, and probing a philosophy that–in lesser hands–might seem composed largely of perverse punch-lines. A rich, engaging portrait of intellectual fearlessness.”–Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Cleopatra“Inger Kuin brilliantly brings to life one of antiquity’s most colorful philosophers. Highlighting this extraordinary figure’s fearless counterculturalism, radical views on slavery, and profound influence even today, Kuin expertly captures Diogenes’ distinctive character, rooted equally in an unwavering moral integrity and an unquenchable desire to mock human vanities. A joy.”–Tim Whitmarsh, author of Battling the Gods“We needed a book on Diogenes the Cynic, and Inger Kuin has given us a must-read, wonderful exploration of the life and thought of one of the most outrageous philosophers in the history of humanity. May we succeed in finding our next Dog.”–Massimo Pigliucci, author of How to Be a Stoic“A crisp, accessible, and engaging portrait of the enigmatic philosopher.”–Kirkus

Inger N.I. Kuin is an assistant professor of classics at the University of Virginia. Born in the Netherlands, she worked as a journalist before receiving an MA in philosophy from the University of Amsterdam and a PhD in classics from NYU. She divides her time between Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Charlottesville, Virginia.