Lesser known philosophers that everyone should read

What are some lesser know philosophers that people should take a look into?

I'll list a few to get the ball rolling:

Yang Chu.
His teachings are described as "hedonistic taoism" but it's only alike in taoism on the surface. Basically, his philosophy boils down to, "We only have a short time on the earth so you should enjoy everything to the fullest. Don't deprive yourself of anything. Please all five of the senses. Drink the finest wines, lay with many women, do nothing that brings harm to another." Really interesting stuff Total opposite of Buddhism and Taoism that says you should deprive yourself of worldly pleasures. Give Yang Chu's Garden of Pleasure a read. It's a book that even if you disagree with you'll still want to read.

Diogenes of Sinope (aka Diogenes the Cynic)
You wont hear about him in your history or philosophy class. He's usually overshadowed by his peer, Socrates. Diogenes detested civilization and believed human beings lived artificially and hypocritically. Basically, think of your average bum that goes around town yelling and cursing at everyone, but he has the intellect of a Greek philosopher.

Here's a good site with some of Diogenes' teachings: http://www.davemckay.co.uk/philosophy/diogenes/lives.of.the.philosophers.diogenes.yonge.php

 

Thanks for posting this. I know nothing about Yang Zhu and his teachings it seems pretty interesting. I know a little bit about Diogenes, but that link is fantastic.

 

Saint Augustine of Hippo - Not exactly a lesser known philosopher, per se. But one of his earliest works "The Teacher" is virtually ignored today, and entirely undeservedly. A dialogue that really demands a lot of attention on autodidacticism, the philosophy of education, the philosophy of language, and understanding in general. The thesis is that no one teaches anyone anything.

Jean-Joseph Jacotot - Little known philosopher of education. Learned that he could teach things that he himself did not know. His works have not been translated into English, as far as I know. If you do not speak French, pick up a book called "The Ignorant Schoolmaster" by Ranciere. This has been translated into English and is an excellent summary of Jacotot's philosophy.

Really into the area between philosophy of education and philosophy of language right now.

 

Sri Aurobindo.

Probably the most important Indian philospher for centuries, but not widely known outside of a relatively small circle in the west.
Probably his greatest philosophical work is 'The Life Divine'.