Alphabet Quote by Leonard Shlain
“The first book ever written in an alphabet was the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament. And the most important passage was the Ten Commandments. The first commandment is the most revolutionary sentence ever written. It states: "I am the Lord thy God there is no other." The second prohibits us from making images. Thus, there is a profound rejection of any goddess influence and a ban of representative art.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Alphabet Versus the Goddess by Leonard Shlain, 1995
The quote highlights the Hebrew Bible as the first alphabetic text, emphasizing the Ten Commandments, especially the monotheistic claim and prohibition of images, as revolutionary cultural shifts.
In simple terms: The Hebrew Bible introduced alphabetic writing and the Ten Commandments changed religious thought.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how early texts shape belief and art.
Themes
religion
language
culture
iconoclasm
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
historical
theological
cultural
When to use this quote
- theology studies
- art history
- education curricula
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
monotheism
iconoclasm
alphabetic literacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do foundational texts influence modern values?
- What are the effects of banning images in societies?
A Different Perspective
The claim about being the first alphabetic book is debated; other cultures had early scripts.
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