"I have nothing to ask but that you would remove to the other side, that you may not, by intercepting the sunshine, take from me what you cannot give"
- Diogenes
About this Quote
This quote by Diogenes is an appeal for regard and understanding. He is asking somebody to relocate far from him, to make sure that they do not eliminate from him something that they can not give. This could be interpreted as a request for the various other person to not eliminate his delight or peace of mind. He is inquiring to not conflict with his life and to not remove his joy. He is asking to not block out the sunlight, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the happiness and joy that he is feeling. He is asking to not take away his joy and peace of mind, something that they can not offer him. This quote is a pointer to value the feelings as well as emotions of others, and to not take away something that we can not offer.
"His heart was like a sensitive plant, that opens for a moment in the sunshine, but curls up and shrinks into itself at the slightest touch of the finger, or the lightest breath of wind"
"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable"
"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine"
"Like a plant that starts up in showers and sunshine and does not know which has best helped it to grow, it is difficult to say whether the hard things or the pleasant things did me the most good"
