Sleepybrandon said:
If "coolness" is the subtle art of not-giving-a-shit, Diogenes (the ancient Greek philosopher) was pretty "cool". Sooooort of...
He renounced his wordly possessions, and would beg for money or pick through the rubbish. He lived in a large barrel, like Oscar the Grouch. (Ohhhh... I've just realised Oscar must be based on Diogenes! Surely?!)
He slept when and wherever he felt like it... in the middle of the street... in his pot in the marketplace... And had the same approach to defecation and masturbation. He would poo wherever he liked, even if he was mid-conversation. He masturbated in public, and... if he didn't like what someone was saying, he would start urinating on the other person, or at least in their general direction. He spent much of his time in the company of dogs, rather than humans.
Yet he also relentlessly heckled other philosophers and leaders, leaving them speechless at his intelligent wit. Despite his risky political criticisms and antisocial behaviour, he became begrudgingly respected as a philosophical genius.
According to myth (and paraphrased a little), Alexander the Great asked to be taken to Diogenes, and found him sunbathing in his usual begging spot. He steps forward, casting a shadow over Diogenes, yet is barely acknowledged. Taken aback, Alexander says, "Wise Diogenes, I am the great and mighty Alexander! You may ask me anything. Is there anything within my power that I can do for you
?"
"Can you give me sunlight?"
"
Er... No. Of course not Diogenes."
"Then step aside. You're casting a shadow."
Impressed with his bravado, Alexander laughs, returns to his men and says, "
If I were not Alexander, I think I'd like to be Diogenes!"
Diogenes calls out, "
If I were not Diogenes, I also think I would like to be Diogenes."
Balls of steel!