25 FEBRUARY 2006, Page 31

Cynical retort

From Ruth Chambers

Sir: Whether or not the publication of the cartoons of Mohammed was ‘a case of appalling insensitivity and bad manners’ (Mark Glazebrook, Arts, 18 February), religious people, Christians and Sikhs as well as Muslims, might do well to ponder the example of the great Greek Cynic philosopher, Diogenes. When told, ‘They’re laughing at you, Diogenes’, he replied, ‘But I am not laughed at.’ Ruth Chambers by email