Bidding Quote by Herodotus
“If someone were to put a proposition before men bidding them choose, after examination, the best customs in the world, each nation would certainly select its own”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Histories by Herodotus, 5th century BC
If people could choose among all customs, each nation would pick its own, reflecting cultural identity and preference.
In simple terms: Nations choose their own customs.
Key Takeaway
Respect cultural differences.
Themes
culture
choice
identity
Mood
analytical
neutral
Type
historical
observational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- cultural exchange
- education curricula
Key Concepts
anthropology
nationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies cling to certain traditions?
- What influences cultural preferences?
A Different Perspective
Assumes rational choice free of external pressures.
![“They [the Persians] are accustomed to deliberate on matters of the highest moment when warm with wine; but whatever they in this situation may determine is again proposed to them on the morrow, in their cooler moments, by the person in whose house they had before assembled. If at this time also it…” quote by Herodotus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/db3/herodotus-2844_accustomed_they-the-persians-are-accustomed-to-deli_295502.jpg)
![“No theory is too false, no fable too absurd, no superstition too degrading for acceptance when it has become embedded in common belief. Men will submit themselves to torture and to death, mothers will immolate [burn] their children at the bidding of beliefs they thus accept.” quote by Henry George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68e/henry-george-8103_absurd_no-theory-is-too-false-no-fable-too-absu_70212.jpg)