Diogenes Laertius: Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Vol. 2 (Loeb)

and virtue. He held that those who are virtuous are truly noble, and that virtue is sufficient in itself for happiness, needing nothing beyond the strength of a Socratic Meaning the spiritual or moral fortitude exemplified by Socrates.. He argued that virtue is found in actions and does not require a multitude of words or formal lessons. The wise man is self-sufficient, for everything that belongs to others is truly his own. He viewed ill repute as a positive thing, equivalent to the discipline of pain. The wise man will not govern his life by established laws, but rather by the law of virtue. He will marry for the sake of having children, associating with the most naturally gifted women. He will not disdain to love, for the wise man alone knows who is worthy of love.

12 Diocles also records the following sayings of his: To the wise man, nothing is foreign or inaccessible. The good man is worthy of love. People of worth are friends. Make allies of those who are both brave and just. Virtue is a weapon that cannot be taken away. It is better to fight with a few good men against all the wicked than with a host of wicked men against a few good men. Pay close attention to your enemies, for they are the first to notice your mistakes. Esteem an honest man more highly than a kinsman. The virtue of a man and a woman is the same. Good actions are noble; evil actions are shameful. Consider all wickedness to be foreign.

13 Wisdom is the most secure fortress; it can neither crumble nor be betrayed. We must build our walls with our own impregnable reasonings. He used to converse in the Cynosarges gymnasium, not far from the city gates—from which some believe the Cynic school derived its name.