The Emperor Meets the Beggar

The most famous Diogenes story involves Alexander the Great, the most powerful man in the world, paying him a visit. Alexander offered to grant any wish. Diogenes, sunbathing, replied: "Stand out of my sunlight."

Alexander reportedly told his companions: "If I were not Alexander, I would wish to be Diogenes." The encounter captures the Cynic challenge perfectly: all of Alexander's power could not give him what Diogenes already had — freedom from wanting things.