Today, I’m taking you to ancient Greece, to the heart of a legendary encounter between the most powerful of kings and the freest of men: Alexander the Great and Diogenes of Sinope.
On one side, Alexander, conqueror of the world, master of a gigantic empire. On the other, Diogenes, a cynical philosopher, living in the utmost simplicity, mocking conventions and honors. Intrigued by this man whose reputation transcended borders, Alexander went to meet him. He found him lying down, enjoying the sun. The king kindly said to him: “Ask me anything you wish, and I will grant it.”
Without getting up, Diogenes then replies with calm contempt: “Get out of my sun.”
A silence. Alexander, stunned, remains speechless for a moment. Then, far from being offended, he marvels at the philosopher’s audacity and declares to his companions: “If I weren’t Alexander, I would like to be Diogenes.”
This confrontation between power and wisdom reminds us of one essential thing: true wealth is not what we possess, but what we feel. Diogenes, by rejecting privileges and remaining true to himself, shows us that inner freedom is priceless.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed by external expectations or futile demands, remember Diogenes. Perhaps, like him, you will find light and clarity by getting rid of what is weighing you down, simply saying, “Get out of my sun.”
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