Diogenes of Oinoanda Inscription - NEW Complete Translation By MFS - March 2026

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    FYI

    "Fragments of Diogenes' work were discovered in 1884-1889. Further investigations were inaugurated by Martin Ferguson Smith in 1968-1973 and continued during British and German-led surveys (1974-2017). The number of known pieces of the inscription more than tripled, from 88 in the 19th century to 305. This translation, the first in English to include all the latest discoveries and research, is intended for all who are interested in philosophy, in the intellectual and cultural history of the Greek world under the Roman Empire, and in the story of an impressive and moving human document."

    Thank you!


    I did not realize that the island Smith lives on has a population of 15 to 30 people. Apparently, there is not even one store on the island. I wonder how he handles getting groceries.

  • Cassius May 9, 2026 at 4:31 PM

    Changed the title of the thread from “NEW complete translation March 2026” to “Diogenes of Oinoanda Inscription - NEW Complete Translation By MFS - March 2026”.

    Aside from the introductory part where Diogenes declares his (noble) motifs, this is the section I personally like the most:

    Let us first discuss states, keeping an eye on the point that, when the emotions which disturb the soul are removed, those which produce pleasure enter into it to take their place.

    Well, what are the disturbing emotions? [They are] fears —of the gods, of death, and of [pains]— and, besides [these], desires that [outrun] the limits fixed by nature. These are the roots of all evils, and, [unless] we cut them off, [a multitude] of evils will grow [upon] us.

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