The Ethiops say that their gods are flat-nosed and black, While the Thracians say that theirs have blue eyes and red hair. Yet if cattle or horses or lions had hands and could draw, And could sculpture like men, then the horses would draw their gods Like horses, and cattle like cattle; and each they would shape Bodies of gods in the likeness, each kind, of their own.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Animals would sculpt gods in their own likeness just as humans do.
- In plain terms
- All beings create gods that resemble themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Divinity mirrors the creator's form.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Would aliens create gods like us?
- How does biology shape belief?
Another view
This is a thought experiment not proven fact.
More from Xenophanes
Mortals deem that the gods are begotten as they are, and have clothes like theirs, and voice and form.
Permalink to quote #2 Men create the gods in their own image.
Permalink to quote #1
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