Alexander the Great was an admirer of Diogenes. A student of ancient philosopher and scientist Aristotle, Alexander had a great respect for wise men like Diogenes, so he decided to meet the philosopher for himself.

Having traveled to Corinth, where Diogenes was living. Walking the streets, a few of his men tailed and followed him, as his eyes looked around in search for the old philosopher. Seeing a sight after some time, Alexander has found the man he sought. Alexander came upon Diogenes as the philosopher was basking in the morning sunlight...inside a barrel and lying in the sun.

Thrilled to meet the famous thinker, Alexander asked if there was any favor he might do for him. Alexander wanted to fulfill a wish for Diogenes and asked him what he desired. To that, Diogenes replied:

“Move a little to the right; you are blocking my sun.”

Alexander then declared, after being taken aback of the philosopher's bluntness,“If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes.”

It made Alexander's day. So much so he walked around the streets of the city with a smile on his face. A light gait to his steps, he replayed the encounter in his mind - oh how Diogenes had truly surprised him but in a good way. Walking the streets, a few of the civilians around would turn their heads and stare at the king; whispering to one another and staring in awe and wonder as words already spread of Alexander's short exchange of words with the cynical and mad Diogenes. Of course, the people did not entirely like the nudist philosopher - notorious for his philosophical stunts and eccentric and provocative behavior.

But Alexander respected the man. Finding that he, indeed, did live up to the reputation and expectations that he had heard from the people.

It was truly remarkable to him that he was not at all mad at the...slight insult from the philosopher. Slight was an understatement.