Temples are for the gods,” Thucydides said. “No city has…
““Temples are for the gods,” Thucydides said. “No city has the hubris to put her own citizens on a temple.” Phidias promised, “The Athenians will look like gods.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Temples belong to deities; civic pride should not equate citizens with divine status, warning against hubris.
In simple terms: Temples are for gods, not citizens.
Key Takeaway
Respect divine spaces, avoid hubris.
Themes
history
philosophy
hubris
civilization
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- cultural policy
- public monuments
- political rhetoric
Key Concepts
civic pride
religious architecture
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern structures risk becoming symbols of hubris?
- How do societies balance reverence and civic pride?
A Different Perspective
Modern societies may reinterpret such warnings.