"I am called a dog because I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals"

Diogenes, the infamous Cynic philosopher, uses the metaphor of a dog to describe his manner of living and relating to society. Far from being an insult, the label “dog” encapsulates both his philosophy and the method by which he exposes hypocrisy and folly. Dogs are creatures without guile, guided by nature, their needs, and a directness that civilized society often abandons for the sake of appearances and custom. Diogenes embraces these canine characteristics as virtues rather than vices.

When he states he “fawns on those who give me anything,” he equates gratitude and acknowledgment without shame. If someone offers him food or assistance, he responds with open appreciation, much like a dog would wag its tail or nuzzle its benefactor. Here, he undermines pretensions of pride or entitlement; genuine need is met with genuine thankfulness.

His statement, “I yelp at those who refuse,” refers to his shameless directness in calling out those who have, but choose not to give or help. The yelp of a dog is an immediate, honest response to rejection, and for Diogenes, this honest vocalization of displeasure or need is preferable to silent suffering or deceitful flattery. By reacting openly, he exposes social indifference and challenges the self-satisfied virtues of the wealthy or powerful who hoard their possessions.

The final part, “I set my teeth in rascals,” reveals his role as a critic and moral gadfly. Dogs defend their masters and territory, and so does Diogenes bite at those he sees as corrupt, immoral, or pretentious, “rascals” who undermine virtue by violating their fellow humans or by pretending virtue they do not possess. Through his “bite,” he seeks to awaken others to self-awareness, virtue, and authenticity.

Altogether, Diogenes reclaims the image of the dog as a badge of honor, symbolizing honesty, humility, and fearless critique, standing in stark contrast to the conventional values of polite, hypocritical society.