The philosopher Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, « If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils. » Said Diogenes, « Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king ».