THEODOTUS. Caesar: you are a stranger here, and not conversant with our laws. The kings and queens of Egypt may not marry except with their own royal blood. Ptolemy and Cleopatra are born king and consort just as they are born brother and sister. BRITANNUS (shocked). Caesar: this is not proper. THEODOTUS (outraged). How! CAESAR (recovering his self-possession). Pardon him. Theodotus: he is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Customs vary by culture; what seems barbaric to one may be law to another.
- In plain terms
- Different cultures have different rules about marriage.
- What can you take from it?
- Judge others by their own cultural laws, not yours.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is a custom truly natural?
- Who decides what is proper?
Another view
Some laws violate universal human rights regardless of culture.
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