Екатерина Жигалкович

Diogenes and Alexander the Great

The story is about a man named Diogenes who lived in Ancient Greece. He was a wise but strange man. He believed that no man needed much, that's why he himself lived in a barrel and rolled it from place to place. He spent his days sitting in the sun and  saying wise things to people. Once Alexander the Great wanted to do something for the good man whom the king hadn't met him before but heard a great deal about him. The famous general asked if there was something he could do for the wise man. Diogenes asked the king to step aside and not to keep the sunshine away from him. Alexander was surprised at the man's words but he wasn't angry for he was a kind and intelligent man. From the story we understand that the king was as clever as Diogenes. That's why he didn't get angry about his witty answer. The king told his officers that he'd like to be Diogenes in he weren't Alexander. 

Personally, I really enjoyed the story. I think Diogenes was a genius and a very good person who treated people equally and wouldn't ask for something that wasn't a necessity. He lived a simple, virtuous life and enjoyed it to the fullest. Unlike Alexander he wasn't burdened by his duties and responsibilities. He was completely free to do whatever he wanted, to say what he wanted, to be where he wanted. However, Alexander the Dreat had made his country strong and powerful. During the reign of Alexander the Empire flourished and people adored their king. He'll be forever remembered as a great a man beloved and respected by many. Alexander had a great purpose in his life and he fulfilled it. I would like to be more like Alexander. Although I find Diogenes's way of living more liberating, sleeping in a barrel doesn't sound like fun.