Who really said it
The lamp anecdote in this English text gives the shorter reply, “I am looking for a man.” The popular addition interprets the anecdote rather than reproducing this version word for word.
Last verified 9 Nov 2026 · how we verify · spot an error?
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Disputed — copy with the correction
“I am looking for an honest man” — Diogenes of Sinope
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In context
Evoking the themes of truth and character. Theme: "I am looking for an honest man". Atmospheric and restrained, cinematic directional light, a muted period-appropriate palette, fine grain and texture. Compose with generous empty space for the quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
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Minimalist editorial slide for the quote "I am looking for an honest man". Clean background, a single muted accent color, generous negative space, subtle paper or linen texture, no literal illustration — let the words carry it. Reserve clear space for a serif quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
Provenance
I am looking for a man.
A short excerpt from the cited source; it may differ from the popular wording above.
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Fact-check
The popular credit or wording needs this qualification.
The lamp anecdote in this English text gives the shorter reply, “I am looking for a man.” The popular addition interprets the anecdote rather than reproducing this version word for word. Source ↗
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The author
For writers & researchers
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers 6.41, English text at Wikisource.
Quotle.info. “Who really said ‘I am looking for an honest man’?” Last verified 9 Nov 2026. https://quotle.info/who-said/i-am-looking-for-an-honest-man/