Children Quote by Gore Vidal
““After all, as educated men, we should realize that myths always stand for other things. They are toys for children teething. The man knows that the toy horse is not a true horse but merely suggests the idea of a horse to a baby's mind. When we pray before the statue of Zeus, though the statue contains him as everything must, the statue is not the god himself but only a suggestion of him. Surely, as fellow priests, we can be frank with one another about these grown-up matters.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 1975
Myths are symbolic tools, not literal truths; they suggest ideas like toys, and religious statues represent concepts, not the entities themselves.
In simple terms: Myths are symbols, not literal truths.
Key Takeaway
Recognize symbols as guides, not facts.
Themes
mythology
symbolism
philosophy
religion
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- education
- art critique
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
semiotics
cultural narratives
faith
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate symbol from object?
- What role do myths play in modern society?
A Different Perspective
Symbols can become idolatry if taken as reality.
