A cynical case for outreach

Article written by Luke Tyler

How an ancient Greek philosopher and a Swedish youtuber define the need for academic outreach.

Diogenes was a renowned Greek philosopher and one of the founders of the Cynic philosophy. Born in Sinope around 412 BCE, Diogenes is best known for his unconventional lifestyle, sharp wit and ongoing feud with Plato.

Diogenes believed in living in accordance with nature and rejected societal norms and material wealth. He famously lived in a large ceramic jar in Athens, embracing poverty as a means of achieving virtue and independence.

One of Diogenes’ most famous encounters was with Alexander the Great. When Alexander, impressed by Diogenes’ fame, visited him, he found Diogenes basking in the sun. Alexander, eager to offer the philosopher anything he desired, asked if there was any favour he could grant. In response, Diogenes famously replied, “Yes, stand out of my sunlight.”

Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, better known as PewDiePie, is a Swedish YouTuber and content creator who has left an indelible mark on internet culture. Born in 1989, PewDiePie rose to prominence through his Let’s Play videos and commentary on video games, particularly horror games, which captivated audiences with his humour and reactions. PewDiePie’s impact on YouTube and digital media is unprecedented. He became the platform’s most-subscribed individual content creator, amassing tens of millions of subscribers.

PewDiePie’s loyal fanbase and cultural significance are undeniable. He has used his platform to raise awareness about issues, engage in philanthropy, and connect with fans worldwide. PewDiePie’s success is an amazing example of the democratization of media, showcasing how individuals can build massive audiences and wield significant influence online.

PewDiePie’s journey from a gaming enthusiast to a global internet phenomenon underscores the power of digital media in shaping contemporary culture. His impact continues to resonate, highlighting the evolving landscape of entertainment and the profound connection between content creators and their audiences in the digital age.

In 2019 PewDiePie’s house was ransacked, he addressed the incident with candour and humour. Despite his massive subscriber count, exceeding 100 million at the time, PewDiePie remained grounded, acknowledging the intrusion while sharing insights and anecdotes.

PewDiePie’s mention of Diogenes of Sinope in his reaction video to his house being robbed ignited a remarkable surge of interest in the classical philosopher. Following the video’s release, an additional 80 million Google searches related to Diogenes were recorded in the subsequent week.

This phenomenon vividly illustrates PewDiePie’s immense influence and reach among his expansive audience. By referencing Diogenes, PewDiePie introduced a historical figure and philosophical concept to millions of viewers who may not have previously been acquainted with classical philosophy. This reference sparked curiosity and prompted viewers to delve into Diogenes’ life, teachings, and philosophy independently.

Ultimately, PewDiePie’s mention of Diogenes not only entertained his audience but also inadvertently contributed to a surge of engagement with classical philosophy, showcasing the unexpected ways in which digital content can influence and enrich cultural discourse.

Whilst this is an extreme example of the reach of modern, engaged, social media it perfectly demonstrates the potential of outreach done right. I’ve loved the ideas of Diogenes since the first time I heard the story of him throwing a chicken at Plato and declaring it a man (look it up, hilarious), however I acknowledge my privileged public-school education, and the fact that exposure to lofty classical ideals is rare in modern state funded education.

In the week after Pewd’s house was robbed 80 million extra people googled Diogenes, since then Diogenes has entered popular culture with mentions on Netflix shows and mainstream media. My classics professors at Oxford never had that reach, his biographer (also called Diogenes (Diogenes Laertius) never had that reach.

I’d have loved the world to learn about Diogenes the way I did, from an academic with a true passion for the subject, and a lifetime of experience and study. However, a Swedish hotdog salesman is also amazing. In todays democratic internet though, you have access to that same audience.