In the beginning the Gods made man, and fashioned the sky…
“In the beginning the Gods made man, and fashioned the sky and the sea, And the earth's fair face for man's dwelling-place, and this was the Gods' decree: "Lo, We have given to man five wits: he discerneth folly and sin; He is swift to deride all the world outside, and blind to the world within: So that man may make sport and amuse Us, in battling for phrases or pelf, Now that each may know what forebodeth woe to his neighbor, and not to himself.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage describes a divine decree giving humans limited wisdom, making them mock external world while blind to inner truth, leading to conflict and suffering.
In simple terms: God gave humans limited insight, causing folly and conflict.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper self‑knowledge beyond surface judgments.
Themes
divine
human nature
wisdom
conflict
Mood
contemplative
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- conflict resolution
- education
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner truths do we ignore?
- How can we balance external critique with self‑awareness?
A Different Perspective
Blindness to inner truth can perpetuate external strife.