Cynicism quotes

Contemplate life's skepticism with our collection of cynical quotes; find dark humor and thought-provoking insights on our quote site.

In a rich man's house there is no place to spit but his face.

- Diogenes of Sinope

He has the most who is content with the least.

- Diogenes of Sinope

I think a lot of cynicism has dropped away from my shoulders since I stopped drinking.

- Graham Coxon

Man is the most intelligent of the animals - and the most silly.

- Diogenes

It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.

- Diogenes

It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little.

- Diogenes

Hypocrisy is the outside of cynicism.

- Mason Cooley

The sun, too, shines into cesspools and is not polluted.

- Diogenes

The sun too penetrates into privies, but is not polluted by them.

- Diogenes

Blushing is the color of virtue.

- Diogenes

No man is hurt but by himself.

- Diogenes of Sinope

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

What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others.

- Diogenes

Wise leaders generally have wise counselors because it takes a wise person themselves to distinguish them.

- Diogenes of Sinope

Those who have virtue always in their mouths, and neglect it in practice, are like a harp, which emits a sound pleasing to others, while itself is insensible of the music.

- Diogenes

Wise kings generally have wise counselors; and he must be a wise man himself who is capable of distinguishing one.

- Diogenes

Of what use is a philosopher who doesn't hurt anybody's feelings?

- Diogenes of Sinope

The great thieves lead away the little thief.

- Diogenes

There is only a finger's difference between a wise man and a fool.

- Diogenes of Sinope

I am sadly afraid that I must have done some wicked thing.

- Antisthenes