Diogenes lived on alms. Before adopting an abandoned shipping container as his primary residence, he must have studied, because when he felt fit, he recited classical poetry, quoted the Greeks, and did not disdain spoiling Shakespeare in an English substitute.
Whether it is hot or cold, he could be seen doing his ablutions several mornings in the municipal fountain, behind the fire station.
Of course, he had never been drunk, not even with a bottle of wine, as you mention. To earn a coin, he would help out with the rubbish, gather leaves from a neighbor's garden, or lend a hand to the brewer to get the kegs into the bar.
He was not without humor, because when a teenager asked him: "What are you doing with so many hours in the day", he used to answer:
* Diogenes had a flashlight and was looking for a man, I am a man who is still looking for his flashlight. And squirmed with laughter.
I suppose his nickname for Diogenes came from here. He insinuated that work is slavery and that he was born to be free.
* but you won't make money like this.
* You do not know how glad I am to have no money, he sentenced.
* And why that Diogenes?
* Because with the times we live in, if I had money, I would need a lot!
During the summer, most of the townspeople migrate for vacations, but Diogenes has no secondary residence. It happened that one of the chaleteros offered to cut his lawn.
* My garden is small, so I will not pay you, but I will give you a good meal.
* Deal made Captain (I called people Captain or Doctor as quality treatment, not because they were).
And so it was that in a couple of hours, Diogenes earned a good meal that they allowed him to enjoy at the cement table in the garden. Of course, then he was in charge of cleaning everything.
The fact caught the attention of another neighbor who offered to cut the firewood and store it in the shed in exchange for dinner.
* Well, okay, I'll go tomorrow.
* Tomorrow there will be nobody at home, it should be today.
* Ahem And could you not give me money?
* No, you will spend it on wine.
* I don't drink wine, it gives stomach pains. I will spend it to eat.
* But if food is what I propose.
* Doctor, you propose me a dinner, and today I have already eaten like a general. More food doesn't make up for the work.
* Very well, done deal, I will give you the money for a dinner.
The widow Alcaraz saw him pass:
* Again here, lazy, I don't know why they don't kick you out of town. I'll speak to the Mayor, I'll let you know. We don't want bums here.
* I am not a bum, I have a roof.
* And above answer! You are a shame for this place.
But when the widow twisted her ankle and they had to cast, I do not hesitate to call Diogenes, from the first floor.
* Hey bum, come p'aca, with my leg I can not with the stairs. I want you to come take my garbage down.
* Not that, witch, not that.
* Hey, eye what you call me. I shouldn't, but I'll give you a glass of wine.
* I don't drink wine.
* Well, a piece of bread, with a slice of ham. Of the good, serrano.
* No, I am not hungry, they have already given me lunch and dinner.
* Well, I'll give you a dime. Come on, I have the bucket to overflow and my daughter cannot come today. Upload immediately.
* See you later witch.
* Come here, bum. You're a profiteer, I'll give you a 25 coin. Okay, okay, 50, but it's not worth it, of course not. Returns!
* Goodbye witch, you have been paying me for a long time, every time you see me. Save your money that my soul is not for sale or for rent.
This is how Diogenes lived, daily, without commitments or obligations. In exchange for odd jobs, when he felt like it. When he offered him something he was missing or was excited about: food, a book, or a bar of soap.
Without having studied it, he had understood that need and motivation are complementary. Indeed, offering someone something they do not need does not lead to effort. Not something he already has to spare. And when a person needs affection, or recognition, (which is totally free; a smile, a hug, a calm we will go forward) do not offer them money because even if they accept it, it will not motivate them. You may even feel frustrated with yourself and angry at who you hit.
We are all a little Diogenes, both personally and professionally, we move for what we need, or think we need.
