One of the most philosophicaly interesting Ancient Greek figures is, in my opinion, Diogenes the Cynic. He is well known for his cynisim and his (probably fictional) snarky remarks.

His figure is, in all forms, an attempt to remind, all the things that really matter. Diogenes lived inside a urn with nothing but the absolutely necessary. That maybe would include one set of clothing, maybe it wouldn’t. His friends were dogs, humans needed not apply for that position.

What we would consider as degradation of people, he cherished and chose. Things we have been idolizing for centuries, like status, respect, power and a hazy notion of security, he had disdain for.

For me, he is a figure that so much deeply loves humanity that he cannot bear to watch it whither away in pursuits without true utility and meaning.

His indirect, actionable teachings are at the core of what I consider enterpreneurial. What risk remains, when the worst case scenario is being Diogenes? In the Western society we live in, where access to food, shelter and education is accessible more than any other time in history, death by unaddressed physical needs is hard to come by.

As such, people’s and society’s opinions are not to be considered. Only Death is Death. Failures and successes, however you have them defined, are not to be considered. They are not required for survival. Only Death is Death.

What risk remains, when we can’t lose all that we need?

Only the risk of not acting. Only Death is Death.