Thoreau and Diogenes

Thoreau and Diogenes may seem to be similar, but they are actually quite different. Both philosophers believe that for a person to be truly happy we must reject society’s vision of happiness, meaning materialistic possessions and status. Where the two differ is in their actions taken to reject society. Thoreau left society and wrote his thoughts in a book for all to read, learn, and follow. Diogenes, on the other hand, stayed in town and disrupted society by barking and yelling at people as they walked by attempting to get his point across. I will argue that Diogenes’ method of revolting against society is an ineffective way of spreading his ideas. Furthermore, to prove this argument I will show how many of his actions were disregarded, many actions angered the citizens, and those actions that received praise brought about no real changes.
Diogenes would go around town yelling and insulting people to spread his views. His seemed to be either shot down or ignored. The...