“He has the most who is most content with the least…It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little.” -Diogenes
Speaking of wisdom and wishes…
The Greek and Roman historian Plutarch tells a famous story about Alexander the Great visiting the impoverished Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope. Diogenes was resting and soaking up the sun in the public marketplace of Corinth. Alexander, who long admired Diogenes, offers to grant him any wish he wants. To which Diogenes replied: “Yes. Could you get out of my light.” (Or another translation: “Stand a little out of my sun.”)
Instead of being angry, Alexander was amazed by the man’s bold attitude and total lack of fear. As he walked away, Alexander reportedly told his men, “If I were not Alexander, I should wish to be Diogenes.”
When you’re grounded. When you’re doing what you want and living the life you want. When you’ve learned the secret of enough…Nothing and no one, no matter what they offer, can ever take that away from you. You’re free from needing. And that is everything.
P.S. – Hat tip to my friend Alex (aka “Admin Alex”) for telling me another terrific Alexander the Great story. This one, from 322 BC, was reported by Josephus Flavius and is also enshrined in the Babylonian Talmud…Alexander asks Shimon Hatzadik – the High Priest from the Hebrew Temple in Jerusalem, “Who is wealthy?” To which the priest answers: “One who is satisfied with his lot”.
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