Expedit esse deos, et, ut expedit, esse putemus.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It is convenient to believe in gods, so we choose to believe they exist.
- In plain terms
- We believe in gods because it is useful.
- What can you take from it?
- Belief can be driven by convenience.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you believe because it is true or useful?
- What if belief were inconvenient?
Another view
Belief may stem from genuine experience, not just utility.
More from Ovid
Let love steal in disguised as friendship.
Permalink to quote #14 Nocte latent mendae, vitioque ignoscitur omni, Horaque formosam quamlibet illa facit.
Permalink to quote #16 Nothing is stronger than habit.
Permalink to quote #13
Related quotes
Faith is, at one and the same time, absolutely necessary and altogether impossible.
Stanislaw LemStanislaw Lem quote #3 I do know that there are some things that exist in this world that you just can't prove. That could be the case with God or whoever might be up there, but I do…
Katie MeluaKatie Melua quote #7 To know a person's religion we need not listen to his profession of faith but must find his brand of intolerance.
Eric HofferEric Hoffer quote #60