# Diogenes the Cynic, Fount of Perfect Knowledge **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 20, 2005, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534 "2005-09-20T14:37:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/61 "2005-09-20T18:38:45Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > Font. Maybe the OP’s British. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/62 "2005-09-20T18:56:48Z")
> [@Crotalus](#): > > You wrote: What does that have to do with **Zsofia**? ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/63 "2005-09-20T19:02:17Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > Cite? > > If anything, I’ve advocated _repealing_ some laws (e.g same-sex marriage prohibitions, drug prohibition, capital punishment), but when have I advocated making legislation which would force other people to follow my views. My lgeislative views tend rather heavily towards the liberatarian. I don’t even favor gun bans. [“I believe that homeschooling parents should be obliged by the government to teach evolution-- or at least that the child should have to pass a test showing a basic understanding of the theory whether they believe it or not.”](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=4712743&postcount=78) Enjoy, Steven ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/64 "2005-09-20T19:03:45Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > What does that have to do with **Zsofia**? Oh, come on. OP : “I’m wondering what the best recipes for cookies are.” DtC : “I like eating fruits and vegetables. I hate bakers, they’re jerks!” If you didn’t purposefully intend it as an insult, then I have to question your rationality. Oh, wait… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/65 "2005-09-20T19:05:26Z")
This has always been my favorite part of discussions with the Exalted One: > [@Shodan](#): > > They’re [the neighbors] bothering Zsofia. > [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > No they aren’t. “Here is a piece of information that contradicts your position.” “No it doesn’t.” No rationale, no supporting reason - just a straightforward “I don’t like that aspect of reality, therefore, it doesn’t exist.” 😃 This is my second favorite: > [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > I never called the OP an asshole. > [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > I’ve lived next to dope dealers on more than one occasion and never had a problem. I found them to be good neighbors. **The assholes are the ones who try to involve themselves in everyone else’s business and police the whole neighborhood**. _:shrugs:_ Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/66 "2005-09-20T19:07:40Z")
Sorry, **Crotalus** , I see you beat me to it. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/67 "2005-09-20T19:09:54Z")
**Shodan** is right and **Diogenes the Cynic** is wrong. And no, you may _not_ use the above as a signature. ---
**Author:** ![crazyjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/68 "2005-09-20T19:11:18Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Still, having a lower property tax bill might strike me as a powerful benefit. Eh, um, er…do you own your own house? Ever tried to appeal your property tax assessment? Do you think the municipality to which you pay taxes has any motive to REDUCE the taxable value of your home? At the very least, it’ll stay constant. Good luck appealing, too…it takes a mountain of evidence and blackmailing 2/3 of the appeal board to get them to lower your property taxes. (ok, maybe only 1/3 of the appeal board). ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/69 "2005-09-20T19:15:26Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > What does that have to do with **Zsofia**? Thank you for removing any lingering guilt I had about implying that you were weasel-like in using the word asshole to refer to **Zsofia**. You’re a weasel. ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/70 "2005-09-20T19:17:39Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Sorry, **Crotalus** , I see you beat me to it. > > Regards, > Shodan No problem. Please note his reply. Thanks to you and \*\*CandidGamera \*\* for assuring me that I was not imagining it. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/71 "2005-09-20T19:23:10Z")
> [@Mtgman](#): > > [“I believe that homeschooling parents should be obliged by the government to teach evolution-- or at least that the child should have to pass a test showing a basic understanding of the theory whether they believe it or not.”](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=4712743&postcount=78) > > Enjoy, > Steven Ok. I think children have a right to be educated. I think theyeshould be taught science. I also think they should be taught math and taught how to read. I guess I’m a fascist. :rolleyes: I was talking about protecting the rights of children, not taking anything away from parents. So close but no cigar. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/72 "2005-09-20T19:24:45Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > This has always been my favorite part of discussions with the Exalted One: > “Here is a piece of information that contradicts your position.” > > “No it doesn’t.” No rationale, no supporting reason - just a straightforward “I don’t like that aspect of reality, therefore, it doesn’t exist.” 😃 Where did she say they were bothering her? You’re the one who made an assertion with no support, dumbass. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/73 "2005-09-20T19:25:20Z")
> [@crazyjoe](#): > > Eh, um, er…do you own your own house? No, I don’t. In fact, I mentioned as much in my first ppost on the subject, when I asked for an explanation for how something that (at least intuitively) should keep your yearly expenses higher was to be considered a good thing. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/74 "2005-09-20T19:26:05Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > **Shodan** is right and **Diogenes the Cynic** is wrong. > And no, you may _not_ use the above as a signature. What was Shodan right about? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/75 "2005-09-20T19:27:38Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > **Shodan** is right and **Diogenes the Cynic** is wrong. > And no, you may _not_ use the above as a signature. [Maxwell Smart voice] Missed it by that much! [/Maxwell Smart voice] Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/76 "2005-09-20T19:29:52Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > What was Shodan right about? A complete list would kill the hamsters. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/77 "2005-09-20T19:30:31Z")
> [@Crotalus](#): > > Thank you for removing any lingering guilt I had about implying that you were weasel-like in using the word asshole to refer to **Zsofia**. You’re a weasel. I didn’t say shit about **Zsofia**. I was talking about people in my own experience. I did not intend to say anything about Zsofia at all because, at that point in the thread, she had not yet indicated that she had tried to involve herself in anyone else’s business or “police the neighborhood.” You’re reading too much into it, but since you seem to be intent on taking it that way in order to try to score a cheap debating point, then I apologize to Zsofia because I did not consciously _intend_ to implicate her at all. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/78 "2005-09-20T19:30:52Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > What was Shodan right about? Indirectly, you called **Zsofia** an asshole. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/79 "2005-09-20T19:32:07Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > A complete list would kill the hamsters. > > Regards, > Shodan Well, it _might_ give them a tiny tummy ache, but I won’t go any farther than that. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534/80 "2005-09-20T19:32:23Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > Ok. I think children have a right to be educated. I think theyeshould be taught science. I also think they should be taught math and taught how to read. I guess I’m a fascist. :rolleyes: > > I was talking about protecting the rights of children, not taking anything away from parents. So close but no cigar. You asked when had you ever advocated legislation supporting your views. Evidence was presented that you advocated new legislation supporting your specific view that the parents who homeschool their children should be required to learn a specific theory that you and I accept as fact, but the parents may reject. Asked, answered, the man wins a kewpie doll. > [@Diogenes](#): > > Where did she say they were bothering her? The fact that she posted to the messageboard asking for advice about whether or not to report them to police indicates that, at least on some low psychological level, their presence was troubling to her. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diogenes-the-cynic-fount-of-perfect-knowledge/322534.md?page=5)