Murder on the Orient Express

So, to be honest I wasn’t that keen on putting this one on the list. However, it is so cleverly written and has been adapted so many times either such as to films and to plays, that I couldn’t refute the evidence. It is a good novel. Despite the fact that I am not a huge fan of murder mysteries, this book does a good job of planting evidence and clues throughout the novel and if you’re paying close enough attention you can clue into who the murderer is pretty early on. It also does a good job of throwing in a few red herrings to throw you off, so don’t think that it’s painfully obvious. It took me reading the novel twice to really take notice of the evidence cleverly hinted at. Again, I had to include this book in my favorites list as this book really set off a string of new mystery novels, films, and other works similar to this one. I think that it is one of those stories that are very easily adaptable and is enjoyable at any age at any time. I think it will continue to sell out on shelves and will continue to gain a fanbase as the years go on. It is just well throughout the book.

Poster for the 2017 film by director Kenneth Branagh

Now I won’t go into too much detail about the story, I don’t want to give away too much and there are too many characters to really go in-depth on to them. That being said, the main character is detective Hercule Poirot, who just so happens to be on the very train with a murderer on the loose. One morning the passengers all discover the body of an American tycoon who had been stabbed repeatedly. Unfortunately for the passengers the train is stopped by a snowdrift and can no longer move. Following this event, detective Poirot was then left in charge of finding out who the killer is, in case the killer strikes again. This train is full of passengers, and staff, who are all suspects in the case. Nobody is off-limits, even if they have an alibi, because everyone has a motive. What really motivated me and urged me to keep reading this novel is that every time I think I know who did it, there is always new evidence disputing it. This novel isn’t very long, it’s not that complex, and has a huge ensemble of characters to keep track of. So, if murder mysteries aren’t your thing, sitting back and just letting the story unfold is just as entertaining as trying to solve the murder too. Just letting the detective do his work is really entertaining too, when I was watching the film I took that very approach. Either way, there are many ways of approaching enjoying this book.

Poster for the 1974 film by director Sidney Lumet

What I loved most about this book is that it is really enjoyable to re-read this book as I always seem to find small details that I missed before. Most murder mysteries to me aren’t as enjoyable the second time when you know who is the murderer. But, not with this one. I think it is just so clever that it is just as good the second time around, if not more, than the first time. This is one of those novels where you find yourself really rooting for the main character, as you yourself are trying to solve the case. It is a classic whodunit that has inspired countless authors and storytellers for years. Everyone I’ve talked to about this book at least knows what the general premise of the book is, even if they haven’t heard of it. It is truly a classic novel that embodies everything great about storytelling, and I think everyone needs to read it.

Check out these links to hear more about what other people think:

Good Reads Reviews

Entertainment Weekly Interview (spoilers)

AND just in case you haven’t seen or heard of any of the adaptations of the Murder on the Orient Express, here are a few trailers!

The Song of Achilles

Madeline spent 10 years writing this book and it shows. It is precise, descriptive, poetic, and well researched. I am not an expert on Greek mythology, but the experts that are out there are praising her for her articulation of Achilles’ life. Seen through the eyes of Achilles lover, Patroclus, we get a fresh new perspective on his story that had yet to have been told. When you think of Greek mythology and love stories you’re more inclined to think of other gods such as Orpheus, who was so devoted to Eurydice he crawled through the depths of hell to save her. However, through this novel, you get to see the romantic side of Achilles, no longer as a man with unquenchable anger, but as a father, son, lover, and husband. It is the book that explained what was missing from the story that developed Achilles as a character.

“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”

This book starts with Patroclus, who gets exiled by his father and is forced to live in Peleus. He then, soon after, falls in love with his host’s son Achilles. Achilles, as you probably already know, is a Demi-god. He is swifter, stronger, more skilled, and is beautiful to look at and Patroclus was shocked when he discovered that Achilles shared his feelings. It is known in history that Achilles can be one of the nastiest god/Demi-gods around, but it has always been known that he was always soft for Patroclus. He was always gentle and kind to him and was very intimate with him. This romance sparks in their childhood and continues into a love affair into their adulthood. As I mentioned earlier, Miller is extremely poetic in this story and it shows very vividly in her writing. It warmed my heart to read this story as she perfectly combined greek mythology, prophecies, and Patroclus’s emotions into one novel.

"I rose and rubbed my limbs, slapped them awake, trying to ward off a rising hysteria. This is what it will be, every day, without him. I felt a wild-eyed tightness in my chest, like a scream. Every day, without him."

Patroclus isn’t well versed in prophecies or in my interpretation, he doesn’t want to acknowledge them. I shouldn’t be spoiling much when I say this, as most already know what Achilles' fate is, after all, we named a tendon after him. Patroclus and Achilles are aware of his impending doom and know that Achilles won't return from Troy. But it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking.

“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”

Achilles Lamenting the Death of Patroclus (1855) by the Russian realist Nikolai Ge

Now there are some aspects to the story that is not as well known, so I will spare you the details so you can read and discover it for yourself. But, it is a story that is not just about greek mythology, but love. To read the story through the eyes of his lover we see another side to Achilles that is more than the rage we read about elsewhere. Achilles’ rage isn’t innate, it's not necessarily in his nature. The only time we really see the vengeful bloodthirsty Demi-god we know about is when Patroclus dies.

"Achilles makes a sound like choking. 'There are no bargains between lions and men. I will kill you and eat you raw.'"

His rage is only unleashed when he is a lone wolf, as nothing to live for and has nothing but the opportunity to kill. His love is gone, and so is his kindness. It almost makes him human to see him in this light and I think that is why Miller wrote it like that. No longer is Achilles a one-dimensional character, but he is a man with an array of motives, thoughts, and feelings. He is a human, with exceptional skills, with nothing but fate holding him back. The way this book is written and how much thought and research was put into it, I had to include it in my favourites list. If you read the book yourself, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Want more on the Song of Achilles? Check out these videos below!

Below is Madeline Miller herself discussing her novel

How to Start a Revolution

In honour of the 2020 American elections, here is an excellent book written by author Lauren Duca. Duca is an award winning columnist for Teen Vogue and wrote this book in the spirit of inspiring teens and young adults to participate more in politics. In my opinion, it is nothing short of funny, witty and well written. I think if teens aren’t already so involved in this years election, this book will help in giving them the push they need to go out and vote when they turn 18. 2020 has been a whirlwind of a year, but one positive thing that has happened this year is that the Voter turnout in the 2020 US Presidential election may have been the highest in a century.

This book has great insight as to how the younger generation, if they turn up like they did this year, can change our future by simply just voting. Encouraging us to re-democratize ourselves, Duca is well spoken in conversing with her readers in explaining how young people can make a huge difference in the world. People such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress making changes daily to American lives. Young gun control advocates, David and Lauren Hogg, two survivors of the Parkland, Florida shooting, who are pushing everyday for change in gun laws. Are just a few examples of young people striving to make huge changes in our world, proving that we can make a difference.

Screen Shot 2020-11-07 at 1.18.10 PM.png

Now, as I am writing this, this year’s American election has already come to a close. President-elect Joe Biden is now the next President of the United States. If you’re anything like me and have been watching this non-stop for the past few weeks, heck months! then you’re just honestly relieved that the elections finally over. 2020 has been a long exhausting year. However, there is one good thing about the internet that never fails to entertain, memes! Of course, with any big event in the world, there are always a high number of memes floating around and this year’s election was no exception, there was an astonishing number of memes to enjoy and laugh at. I certainly was very active on my socials, along with many others. So, in celebration of his win, I thought maybe I’d share a few of my tweets and posts!

Canadians watching American election night coverage pic.twitter.com/1MofWDUCnx
— Jesse Hawken (@jessehawken) November 3, 2020

how it feels refreshing the election results map: pic.twitter.com/lXWPNJmPgr
— victoria.com (@notvictxriaa) November 4, 2020

We can stop counting now. Memes are the clear winner of the 2020 election. pic.twitter.com/IVaPuIoCAi
— CarmenSinek_Final_SuperFinal3.psd (@CarmenSinek) November 6, 2020

We may be opponents — but we are not enemies.

We are Americans.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 7, 2020

Tbh wasn’t going to tweet about the election but these memes are just too good #2020PresidentialElection
— Katherine Plourde (@Kattlissa) November 7, 2020

Looks like they finally finished counting! pic.twitter.com/dOeEPLnirs
— Katherine Plourde (@Kattlissa) November 7, 2020

With the country's highest youth voter turnout, Georgia's young people played a key role in the 2020 election https://t.co/Ukf0V5tBem
— TIME (@TIME) November 7, 2020

BREAKING: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris WIN the 2020 Election. pic.twitter.com/or2GCm6ZY4
— Paper Magazine⁷ (@papermagazine) November 7, 2020

A recap of the 2020 Election pic.twitter.com/cKiDMKX2z9
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) November 7, 2020

Congrats! @JoeBiden https://t.co/ICSdJxsMjJ
— Katherine Plourde (@Kattlissa) November 7, 2020

We've mapped America's preliminary #Election2020 results for the presidency, House and Senate https://t.co/UtkarbWcxj
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) November 7, 2020

Katherine Plourde

RT @TheEconomist: We've mapped America's preliminary #Election2020 results for the presidency, House and Senate https://t.co/UtkarbWcxj
Nov 7, 2020, 3:27 PM
Katherine Plourde

RT @JoeBiden: We may be opponents — but we are not enemies. We are Americans.
Nov 7, 2020, 1:16 PM
Katherine Plourde

Congrats! @JoeBiden https://t.co/ICSdJxsMjJ
Nov 7, 2020, 1:16 PM
Katherine Plourde

RT @NFL_Memes: A recap of the 2020 Election https://t.co/cKiDMKX2z9
Nov 7, 2020, 1:11 PM
Katherine Plourde

RT @papermagazine: BREAKING: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris WIN the 2020 Election. https://t.co/or2GCm6ZY4
Nov 7, 2020, 1:11 PM
Katherine Plourde

Looks like they finally finished counting! https://t.co/dOeEPLnirs
Nov 7, 2020, 1:10 PM
Katherine Plourde

Tbh wasn’t going to tweet about the election but these memes are just too good #2020PresidentialElection
Nov 7, 2020, 11:00 AM
Katherine Plourde

RT @CarmenSinek: We can stop counting now. Memes are the clear winner of the 2020 election. https://t.co/IVaPuIoCAi
Nov 7, 2020, 10:53 AM
Katherine Plourde

RT @jessehawken: Canadians watching American election night coverage https://t.co/1MofWDUCnx
Nov 6, 2020, 9:54 PM
Katherine Plourde

RT @notvictxriaa: how it feels refreshing the election results map: https://t.co/lXWPNJmPgr
Nov 6, 2020, 9:50 PM

Want more on the election? Check out these videos

Three Day Road

This story starts off with Niska, a Cree tribe member, who is on her way to pick up and bring home her recently deceased nephew's friend. However, it’s not her nephew's friend that steps off the train, it's her nephew, Xavier. Who is scarred by war. The first half of this story is Xavier reminiscing on what occurred in the war and how he came to this situation. And let me tell you this, it is one hell of a story.

“We all fight on two fronts, the one facing the enemy, the one facing what we do to the enemy.”

This story, regardless of everything it’s about, is important for telling a story about how the First Nations were terribly treated. Especially in the Residential Schools where they were forcibly culturally assimilated. It is especially as important in representing what it was like for the Cree living in Canada at the time of the war. It is amazing for showcasing how they were treated and how they, as Cree tribesmen, had to change who they were and pretend to be less ‘Indian.’

“I slip into half dreams, go back to my short time in the residential school, old Sister Magdalene and her stinking breath like burnt wool. I see her mouth moving as we boys sit frightened at our desks, her words pouring out like the river. ‘The old Cree are heathen and anger God,’ she says.”

Depending on how you want to interpret the novel, there are many elements to the story to love. One element that was my favourite was the telling of the Wendigo. The Wendigo, if you don’t know already, is a mythological creature derived by First Nations Folklore. Sometimes spelled (Windego) the Wendigo are malevolent spirits that are known to have almost human-like features, are known to possess humans or turn humans into Wendigos. The influence of this spirit is known to invoke acts of murder, cannibalism or insatiable greed on upon its victims. This usually occurs when someone has broken a long-held taboo, and is exposing their inner evil. You might ask, why does this have anything to do with the war or with Xaviers friend? Everything and nothing, again, depending on how you interpret the novel. The Wendigo is something that happens alongside and is hinted at throughout the novel. You see, you never really see the monster, but it is ever so present throughout the text. The Wendigo could just be something that the characters made up, or it could be them really sensing the spirit around them. This is something you have to decide for yourself, if the Wendigo is indeed real or if it’s just a symbol or reference the characters use. You kind of have to read and figure it out, however, if you ask me? I like to think that the Wendigo is real. I think that it makes the novel more exciting and you can make endless literary comparisons between the plot and First Nations Folklore. Not to spoil much.

Disregarding the Wendigo aspect of the storyline, this story mainly focuses on Xavier and his friend Elijah taking part in World War 1. It focuses on their struggles with identity, addiction, the thwart of war and how they changed as people because of it. There are many other symbols and smaller plots going on, such as the symbolism of a lynx, a Mauser rifle and addiction. There are many layers to this novel and so much to explore, Joseph Boyden really layered on many layers onto the main plot that I can’t even explain the entirety of it. The best thing I can say to do is of course, read it yourself.

Want to hear more about Wendigo’s? Check out the videos below.

Pride and Prejudice

If I was going to make a list of my favourite books, I had to include one of the classics. Jane Austen is an absolutely legendary author, and this is one of her books that needs no introduction. Jane even considering it

“her own darling child.”

A 19th-century engraving of Jane Austen, likely derived from a portrait by her sister, Cassandra Austen.

However, if you’ve been living under a rock or simply haven’t been to any english class ever, here is my quick introduction. Pride and Prejudice, since its release from way back in 1813, it has remained a literary classic. Elizabeth Bennet is our heroine in this story and her verbal sparring partner and love interest is a man named Mr.Darcy and, as the title goes, the two of them are the physical embodiments of pride and prejudice.

“Your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.” “And yours,” he replied with a smile, “is willfully to misunderstand them.”

Mr.Darcy is as prideful as ever as he was not only raised rich, but raised knowing he's rich. He places himself above others, especially since this takes place in regency England his pride is supported and perpetuated by those around him. Elizabeth on the other hand, is prejudice. She is vivacious, opinionated and clashes with Mr.Darcy when they meet. Though Mr.Darcy is worthy of judgement with him standing so tall with pride, where Elizabeths prejudice fails, is her inability to look past his pride. What follows is nothing short of a dance of personalities, stubbornness and masked flirtation.

Despite the fact that I personally can’t stand the ideation that women must, not only marry, but marry because it is their purpose in life to. However, I do understand that this book was written almost 200+ years ago, and things were a little different then. Looking past this, I started to actually enjoy the novel. Having been forced to read this in english class, it has taken me a few years since to actually find my enjoyment in the novel. Looking simply at the quick wit of that is Jane’s writing and her characters, I have really come to have a new appreciation for Jane. I especially gained a new perspective on the novel when I watched the various films on the novels as well. I think when you get past some of the sexism and excuse it simply for being written in a different time, you get to really see a unique bond between two very vexing characters. I have high respect for Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy’s bond and connection to one another. Especially since it is mainly a verbal one. I think far too often romance novels focus mainly on the physicality’s of a relationship, the sexual tension mainly. Often including sex scenes, many kissing scenes and even at times jealous ex’s and so on. And to read a novel that doesn’t focus on that is really refreshing. Not that that was her aim, I’m sure it had a lot to do with when the novel was written and not so much what her intent was. I just simply think that it made the book more enjoyable, especially when compared to the romance novel you see today.

One of the other reasons why I love this novel is its setting. I think that it was really fun and interesting to read about the upper-class and wealthy in regency England. I think that it really reflects what Jane was exposed to in her world and I think that this novel really displayed that. The characters seemed to also reflect the environment they were in as well, especially seeing Mr.Darcy go on about people being beneath him and being open about his opinions on others and not caring for the consequences.

“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me, and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.

All together, there are a million reasons to love this book. It’s a classic. It needs no persuading to attain readers and re-readers. It is simply a classic novel full of literary geniuses. Believe me it is not as boring as it might seem, if you don’t believe me watch the movies based on it. Then come back to it, because the novels are always better than the films.

Want more? Check out some of the adaptations trailers

The Old Guard

The Old Guard is a series of graphic novels that have now been turned into a film series. It is set in our modern-day world, however, the twist is that our protagonists are not your average heroes. They’re immortal. And no, they’re not vampires or aliens from another planet. These heroes, despite being immortal, don’t have any superpowers. They are just your average everyday humans, who just so happen to be a thousand or more years old. But, how did they get their immortality then? Who knows! Our protagonists certainly don’t either. But, what they can do is fight very well. Even if it’s only because they’ve had hundreds of years of practice.

Our story begins with three immortals, Booker, Nicky, Joe and Andy. As they progress through the start of the first book, these three discover that there is another new immortal that has just died, Nile. They soon find her and take her under their wing. Not to spoil much, but as we move through the story we learn quite a bit about our heroes through her experiences. One of them being that Nicky and Joe are in a same-sex relationship. As we move through the chapters, they aren’t just together, they’re openly together. As in, not ashamed, afraid, or censored by the author. They are seemingly even the only couple throughout the entire series. Which to me is all very new, especially for a non-romantic action series. Greg Rucka didn’t hold back with his character’s love for each other. I, personally, have found that most authors or writers often only give gay characters one or two lines hinting at their sexuality. Not multiple lines, kisses and hand holdings. It’s refreshing to see a gay couple represented to the same degree as straight couples are often shown in every piece of fiction in history.

Photo taken from one of the pages in The Old Guard

The other thing is, a same-sex relationship is not the only great thing about this novel or the only representation that the Greg included. Two of the main characters are female, Nile and Andy, and Andy is the leader of the team. As a woman, I find it very empowering to get to see a woman who is both strong physically and mentally, be in charge. Especially when the novel was adapted to the film. What is also great about these characters is that they all have very diverse cultural backgrounds. This also means that this novel isn’t another all-white action novel or film. It was especially great when the novel was adapted to film and I, and many others got to watch an action film for the first time have a female in charge, a black female lead and an openly interracial gay couple. I really can’t name you many action movies that have that much representation in it. It’s very refreshing to finally see more representation being shown in novels and films.

Promotional poster for The Old Guard Netflix film

Again, its representation isn’t the only thing that makes these books so great. The fact that we have female leads is amazing in and of itself, however, it’s also the way that these women are portrayed that makes reading these books so great. Every single one of these characters has detailed, and I mean detailed background stories. Every character has a motive for their actions, their own set of beliefs and lack thereof. They even dress the way I would expect most characters would realistically dress in an action novel. By that I mean they aren’t overly sexualized. No unnecessary sex scenes, or shirt removal scenes, or skimpy unrealistic fighting costumes or outfits. Again, just regular humans that just so happen to be immortal trying to do the right thing. It’s great! I think if you’re looking for something to read, or watch, that’s different from most action books, The Old Guards for you. And believe me, there’s so much to talk about in these books, and there’s so much more than its representation or portrayal of its characters. I just don’t want to spoil it all, in case you haven’t read it.

Don’t want to read the book, but want to hear more about The Old Guard? Check out the links below!

American Gods

Book turned tv-show, American Gods is a timeless classic. Written by author Neil Gaiman who’s written bestsellers, turned movies/shows, such as Good Omens, Stardust, Coraline and many others. American Gods is a fantasy novel that features a different kind of narration style that only Neil Gaiman could pull off. It’s not written in your typical protagonist’s perspective voice, the story is told in a storytelling fashion that leads the reader through Shadows (the protagonist) journey into the world of gods and deities. But before we get too much into that, I have to tell you what the premise of the book is. American Gods begins with the main character Shadow returning home from prison, just after his wife and friend passed away in a car accident. However, that’s not all the stories about.

Not to spoil much, but this novel has a much larger plotline that circles around Shadow’s journey. In this world created by Neil Gaiman, every god/deity that’s ever been prayed to/worshipped in existence is physically real. In this fictional world, not only does Jesus, Zeus and many other familiar gods we know exist, but also new unknown ones. If enough people pray, serve or worship one single god, entity or deity long and hard enough, a new ‘god’ is created. So in this world, because we use Media and technology so much in our daily lives, gods like Media and Technical Boy exist physically in this world as gods. There are many other gods I could introduce you to, but I’ll leave that to you to discover if you haven’t read or watched American Gods yet. Although, just because you’re a god, doesn’t mean you’re necessarily immortal. If enough people stop praying/serving a god, they cease to exist. So, as society progresses in the novel, much like our society, people casually begin to forget about the ‘Old Gods’ and gradually turn to the ‘New Gods.’ And, because these gods are all physically real and fear losing their followers and in turn vanishing, the ‘Old Gods’ decide to start a war against the ‘New Gods’.

All of this is happening while we follow Shadow in his journey and many other smaller storylines and plots. Which brings me to how this book is written and what voice Neil Gaiman chose. Because there are so many gods and each god/deity has a story and backstory, Gaiman chose a storytelling method that makes introducing gods fascinating and ethereal. American Gods is written in a third-person point of view but is limited to Shadow’s experiences and thoughts as the story primarily follows his plotline. At times, we do see a shift in perspectives and change in narration. Shadow doesn’t always need to be in the room for the story to be told to the reader. This usually occurs when new characters are introduced, or important characters are discussing something that Shadow can’t know or be there for. The narration also shifts to past tense for introductions, background stories and flashbacks. This is when his writing gets really fun. His background stories in this novel, of each god, emulate the tradition of oral storytelling. This is fantastic as most stories throughout history, especially those about gods and deities, were passed down this same way. Each mini-story or telling included seems separate at times but is always linked or connected in the end. It feels like one plotline that sneaks through one larger plot that’s pulled together somehow by a collection of mini-stories. If you’re not a book lover, this might not be the place to start, but it is however a great read if you like the idea of storytelling.

With all that Neil Gaiman’s writing about in this novel, he sources many different cultures and religions and it really makes reading this book interesting. I almost find it educational as I found myself learning plenty, as I Googled each new God I read about. American Gods really is a classic, in my eyes at least. It has so much to love, it includes great elements such as classic symbolism, a unique writing voice and diverse characters. Neil Gaiman has checked every mark on my list of loves for a book. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fantasy novel with depth throughout characters and plot.

Don’t want to read the book, but want to hear more about American Gods? Check out the links below!

American Gods Revealed: The Mythology Behind American Gods

Neil Gaiman - American Gods Origins

Diogenes the Cynic

**Sayings and Anecdotes: With Other Popular Moralists**

Book by Diogenes of Sinope, Robin Hard (Translator)

So, if you’re a deep thinker like me, you’re going to want to read this book. Maybe even a few times over again, if you’re like me and re-read books. Sayings and Anecdotes: With Other Popular Moralists is a compilation of some of Diogenes’s beliefs and sayings. If you’re new to the world of philosophy and you don’t know who Diogenes is, you’re in for a world of fun. See, Diogenes was unlike any of the other philosophers you’ve ever heard of. He was best known for living with absolutely no possessions. No money, no clothes, nothing. All he had was a large barrel/urinal that he lived in. It’s even said that Diogenes used to have a bowl but when he saw a peasant boy drinking water by cupping his hands, Diogenes threw it out. Exclaiming,

“fool that I am. I’ve been carrying this superfluous baggage all this time.”

Who is Diogenes exactly? He is said to have been the originator of the cynics, cynic meaning a philosophical sect that believed in rejecting the traditional societal way of life and current political standings. Believing in communal anarchism. Diogenes never officially wrote any of his beliefs down, opting for living them instead. Often defecating and masturbating in public, he was akin to living life like a dog. His goal in life was to bring humanity back to its “natural way of life.” Diogenes once said,

“I pissed on the man who called me a dog. Why was he so surprised?”

From what I have read about him, he seems to have concluded that items and possessions give him little to no satisfaction in life. This book is nothing short of a direct reflection of that. It has personally made me reconsider what I find of value to me or how I approach my life. See, like a dog, Diogenes didn’t care about the past or the future. He lived in the moment, living life only “according to nature.”

*Alexander and Diogenes by Gaspare Dizian*

There are many stories about Diogenes out there, his most famous one being his meeting with Alexander the Great. Alexander had heard of Diogenes’s philosophical beliefs and wanted to meet the man himself. So, one day when Diogenes was laying in a field sunbathing, Alexander approached him. He asked,

“if there were any favour he could do for him, he would do it.”

Alexander was the wealthiest, most influential man of his time. Everyone around him was envious of what he had, but not Diogenes. His response to his offer was,

“yes. By moving away. Since you are covering the sun.”

You might think, wow I doubt Alexander took a liking to this man. But, no. Alexander, seemed to be, in a way, moved by what Diogenes had said. Stating,

“if I wasn't Alexander, then I wish to be Diogenes.”

They were two extremes meeting each other. It’s almost strange how someone with such status could be so humbled by someone with so little. However, from my perspective, it must have been so refreshing to meet someone so unbothered by his status or wealth. I can see how Alexander might have also fantasized about what life could have been like for him if he wasn’t as important or influential as he was. I know it's strange to think that, but I can see how he might have also come to the same conclusion that Diogenes had. That items and possessions alone aren’t enough to give you the satisfaction in life that we all seek. It’s simply an illusion of a goal we think will create happiness. So, to think that two extreme opposites shared the same conclusion is certainly food for thought. This alone has certainly given me a perspective of life. Again, this is only one of many stories shared about Diogenes. I am only just scratching the surface of who he is, or what he stood for. Give this book a read or give this man a quick Google, and you’ll see what I mean.

Like I said earlier, he was unlike any philosopher you have ever heard of before. You see, to Diogenes living simply didn’t just mean rejecting luxury goods, it meant disregarding laws and societal conventions. He rejected metaphysical ideas, as to him they were a waste of time. Even butting heads with Plato himself over it. Although that's a story for another day, however, it is further proof that he is certainly a character worth reading about.

Don’t want to read the book, but want to hear more about Diogenes? Check out the links below!

Biography on Diogenes

Thoughts on getting robbed and how it relates to Diogenes’s philosophies