Diogenes of Sinope: If you cannot find an honest man, then make them honest
The ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope walked the streets of Athens in the daylight carrying a lamp in search of an honest man. Of course, an honest man was never found. Diogenes of Sinope roamed the city due to his disappointment in the citizens and government. Even 2,000 years ago, citizens were unhappy with their government and government officials and were indifferent toward poor leadership and unethical actions.
As a history teacher, students would question the relevancy of the subject. The simple answer is, what happened yesterday is happening today and will happen again tomorrow. Humans are creatures of habit, shiny things, and power. Give someone a little control or money and watch them change. Not everyone will change, but most will, especially those who never experienced either. Throughout my career, I have witnessed authority and influence changing someone’s mentality numerous times.
These themes are played out daily by national politics to local entities; Diogenes of Sinope still searches in vain for an honest person who is hard to find. Our personal relationships, work environments, and daily interactions with strangers leave us mistrusting everyone, yet, this is nothing new. Technology has helped grow these negative feelings toward trust because everyone is now a reporter, photographer, influencer, and whistleblower. The problem is most information lacks truth and is nothing more than subjective opinion. Some would argue and state, “You’re a reporter,” but I do not write the news; I report it – big difference.
No one wants to receive negative reviews, be told what they can do better, or that they are not good at their job. The truth hurts; people could be a little more delicate, but even the most amicable way we tell someone the facts can be perceived as unfavorable or mean. However, the most complicated person to be honest with is ourselves.
Recently, I had to give myself a hard dose of reality. The Cibola Citizen has been a great experience, and I have enjoyed the work. I joined the paper because it is interesting, connects to my graduate degree program, and allows me to view politics and government differently. However, I have only one way of handling things, which is out of control. I had to acknowledge that school, work, and home life took a physical and mental toll. I cannot give up on my personal life; quitting my educational program is not an option. It is a disservice to the newspaper and the citizens giving halfhearted energy to reporting important happenings in the community. I had to make the tough decision to separate from our local paper. In a short time, I learned many valuable lessons I will utilize in my future endeavors.
Not all people can find courage and be honest with themselves. Elected and appointed officials should also find the courage and evaluate their actions and abilities honestly. If expertise, education, and experience are lacking, they should be honest and hold themselves accountable. It is not the Citizen, journalist, or mode of media at fault; it is the individual. Negative comments and feedback are part of life. True, it should be constructive criticism, but criticism comes with the job when elected or appointed. To censor critics is a statement the leader is unwilling to work with the public, cannot handle criticism, and cannot comprehend how to take that “negative” commentary and turn it into something useful.
Not everyone will like you. Public servants could run a flawless administration, but there will always be disapproval and disparagement from stakeholders (voters, citizens, party members, organizations, and businesses).
How can one find an honest person if there is no honesty in themselves? How can someone grow if they resent the opinions of others? Diogenes of Sinope attempted to bring awareness that the answer was in front of us and as clear as broad daylight. Yet, in modern times we continue to follow the follies of the past.
In one lesson, students tied modern culture to stories, myths, fables, people, and creatures of ancient times. Businesses, corporations, and other entities have continued using logos and names from ancient times. People are creatures of habit. What happened yesterday is happening again today and will happen again tomorrow.
Leaders need to be truthful with themselves and their citizens. What made you angry about the message? Why did it make you feel that way? Did you learn something from the “negative” feedback? It is unrealistic to think only positive thoughts and responses offer solutions. If everyone agrees, you surround yourself with “yes” men and women. Agreeableness is not forward progress. True, we need positive uplifting, but at a certain point, positivity becomes damaging.
I would much rather be mocked for thinking like Diogenes of Sinope than doomed like Sisyphus, who, for eternity, pushes a rock uphill and never completes his goal.
Only some people can be a leader. A leader can be trusted to lead you into or out of challenging situations, and I have had leaders that could not be trusted to lead people out of an empty box. If you cannot perform the tasks and duties assigned, step aside for someone who can do the job. Be honest, shed light on yourself, and be authentic in a world where everything is built on fake foundations. If you received your degree in health, you should not be a history teacher.
Be Diogenes of Sinope, step into the sunlight and examine the life worth living.
I wish all of you the best in whatever you do. Gather as a community, question your government, remain vigilant, and become involved because this is your community. The power belongs to you and not just a chosen few. Be Diogenes of Sinope and make your leaders see the light. Don’t look for honest people; force leaders to be truthful with themselves and others.