--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: After all, as educated men, we should…" description: "\"“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 to..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/495/gore-vidal-466_children_after-all-as-educated-men-we-should-real_2630427.jpg" --- # After all, as educated men, we should realize that myths… ![“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…” quote by Gore Vidal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/495/gore-vidal-466_children_after-all-as-educated-men-we-should-real_2630427.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/495/gore-vidal-466_children_after-all-as-educated-men-we-should-real_2630427.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/495/gore-vidal-466_children_after-all-as-educated-men-we-should-real_2630427.jpg) > ““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.”” [Gore Vidal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gore-vidal/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Myths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/myths/) [Myths Stand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/myths-stand-2184903/) [Realize Myths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/realize-myths-934209/) [Statue God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/statue-god-2184902/) [Statue Zeus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/statue-zeus-2184904/) ## Related quotes > [I find increasingly that the more extreme are the things going on in your life, the more cultural reference points fail you. More mythical…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-sheen/i-find-increasingly-that-the-more-extreme-are-the-things-going-on-in/) [Michael Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-sheen/) > [I wish, to be honest, that there were more myths about me. 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Anachron’s Corollary: There is no truth which is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-hammond/anachron-s-law-there-is-no-myth-which-is-so-irrational-that-no-one/) [George Hammond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-hammond/) > [Songs are like myths. Myths are useful because they allow you to cast yourself and your life and your own experience. 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I made…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dimple-kapadia/if-the-audience-likes-your-work-if-they-like-you-they-don-t-think/) [Dimple Kapadia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dimple-kapadia/) > [It doesnt seem to me strange that children should like the macabre, the sensational, and the forbidden.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-hecht/it-doesnt-seem-to-me-strange-that-children-should-like-the-macabre/) [Anthony Hecht](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-hecht/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Gratitude isn't just a feeling, it's an action. 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