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The Strong Stoic PodcastAuthor: Brandon Tumblin
The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics while bringing together different philosophies, sciences, and perspectives. Language: en Genres: Education, Philosophy, Self-Improvement, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#392 - Diogenes the Dog: Stress-Testing Stoicism with Inger Kuin
Episode 392
Monday, 17 November, 2025
In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I’m joined by classicist and author Inger Kuin to dive deep into the wild, hilarious, and surprisingly practical life of Diogenes—the original Cynic and, in many ways, the “stress test” for Stoic ideas.We explore:Who Diogenes was and why his life still mattersWhy he chose to live in a jar, throw away his cup, and embrace radical simplicityHow his ideas flowed through Crates to Zeno, making him Stoicism’s “intellectual grandfather”The difference between training your body vs punishing itHow temporary discomfort (no-spend months, cabin weekends, etc.) can build real resilienceCultural norms, door-holding in Canada, and why Diogenes cared more about justice than etiquetteCosmopolitanism and being a “citizen of the cosmos” instead of a slave to one culture’s expectationsWhether Diogenes was “crazy” or just radically consistent with his philosophyThe tension between independence and human connection: why Diogenes avoided close attachments—and why Inger (and I) think that might throw the baby out with the bathwaterHow to examine your own motives honestly: are you saying “yes” for good, joy, or just money and status?We close with practical advice on bringing a bit of Diogenes into modern life without selling your house and moving into a barrel—by questioning your motives, experimenting with less comfort, and rethinking the weight you give to externals.Guest & BookInger’s new book, Diogenes: The Rebellious Life and Revolutionary Philosophy of the Original Cynic, is out November 11, 2025 and available wherever you buy books (hardcover, e-book, and audiobook).🔗 Learn more about Inger and her work: ingerkuin.comIf you enjoy this conversation, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe for more episodes on Stoicism, character, and the hard work of being a good human.Show Notes / Key Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & timeboxing the conversation01:10 – Who was Diogenes? Exile from Sinope, life in Athens, and his role as Stoicism’s “grandfather” through Crates and Zeno.05:35 – Diogenes as a stress test for Stoic principles06:40 – Radical simplicity: living in a jar and throwing away the cup10:40 – Temporary discomfort vs permanent renunciation13:25 – Door-holding in Canada and the problem with overvaluing etiquette18:20 – Cosmopolitanism: being a citizen of the cosmos22:35 – “The dog” and “a raving Socrates”: was Diogenes mad?28:20 – Shame, shamelessness, and why the world doesn’t end when you break a norm29:50 – Needing to be liked vs needing to be understood32:30 – Did Diogenes go too far in rejecting close relationships?36:50 – Externals vs internals: Epictetus, wealth, and Diogenes’ influence40:40 – How Inger uses Diogenes’ lens to make real-life decisions43:00 – Watching your intentions: status, money, or genuine good?43:50 – Book details and live events46:30 – Closing reflections & mutual appreciation
