Diogenes developed a reputation through his philosophy of practice. He lived in great poverty, and rejected all forms of luxury. For example, he discarded eating utensils, drank from his hands, and lived life a dog in winter, he walked barefoot in the snow; in summer, he rolled in the hot sand. Once, a disciple asked him if he was overdoing it. He replied that he was like a teacher of choruses, who had to sing louder than the rest so that they may get the right note.