ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND
DIOGENES
Diogenes was an intelligent and wise philosopher. He did not value possessions; he didn’t
have a house and he didn’t have any money. He lived very simply in an orchard. He collected
fruit and vegetables; he made his own bread and he ate meat very rarely. Many people
praised him, because he never wanted anything and was content. However, many said he was
mad. Once, Alexander the Great, a fierce soldier as well as a great thinker, came to the village
where Diogenes lived. All the inhabitants ran towards
Alexander, cheering him, because he was a powerful, just
and famous ruler. However, Diogenes stayed in his
orchard. When Alexander heard about Diogenes, he was
very keen to meet this strange, unworldly philosopher.
Two of the most important men in the village led
Alexander to Diogenes. Diogenes was in the orchard,
sitting in the full sun, enjoying the bright sunshine. He was
thinking great thoughts, as usual. He didn’t look up or say
anything. Eventually, Alexander introduced himself and
told Diogenes he wanted to give him a gift. He told him to
name anything and it would be his. Diogenes replied that
there was only one small gift he wanted. Alexander said he would give it gladly. Then
Diogenes nodded, smiled and politely asked Alexander to move a little as he was blocking the
sun.
Say if the statements are true or false. Correct the false statements:
1. This story is set in modern times.
2. Diogenes was a very rich man.
3. He provided for himself.
4. Everybody thought Diogenes was mad.
5. Alexander the Great received a great welcome when he came to the village.
6. Diogenes rushed to meet Alexander.
7. Alexander went to the orchard alone.
8. Alexander said Diogenes could have anything he wanted.
9. Diogenes only wanted Alexander to move out of the sunshine.
10.Diogenes was very rude to Alexander.
Answer the following questions in full sentences:
1. Who was Diogenes?
2. Where did he live?
3. What were his values?
4. What did people say about Diogenes?
5. Who came to the village one day?
6. How did the inhabitants greet this visitor?
7. Who took Alexander to the orchard?
8. What was Diogenes doing?
9. What did Alexander offer Diogenes?
10.What request did Diogenes make?
OVER TO YOU: Who was right? Those who praised Diogenes, or those who said he
was mad?
ANSWERS
T/F
1f, 2f, 3t, 4f, 5t, 6f, 7f, 8t, 9t, 10f
Q&As
1. He was a highly intelligent and wise philosopher.
2. He lived in an orchard.
3. He didn’t care for money or possessions.
4. Many praised him, but some said he was mad.
5. Alexander the Great came to the village.
6. They ran towards him and cheered him.
7. Two of the most important men in the village took him to the orchard.
8. He was sitting in the sun, thinking.
9. He offered him anything he wanted.
10.He asked Alexander to move out of the sun.
Notes:
This is a famous story from the ancient world.
Gladly means happily. Keen means enthusiastic.
Over to you:
I think Diogenes was as mad as a hatter! Who wants to live in an orchard? Who wouldn’t want
a Rolex watch or a gold chain, a warm house, or a lobster dinner, all the fine things in life?
And he was rude! Asking a great ruler like Alexander to move! Cheeky!
Diogenes was a great man who knew the value of things which matter. Money and
possessions don’t help us at all. Alexander had nothing that Diogenes wanted.
