Gods Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Come now: Do we really think that the gods are everywhere called by the same names by which they are addressed by us? But the gods have as many names as there are languages among humans. For it is not with the gods as with you: you are Velleius wherever you go, but Vulcan is not Vulcan in Italy and in Africa and in Spain.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Oration, 1st century BC
Names of deities vary across cultures, reflecting linguistic diversity rather than differing divine essences.
In simple terms: Gods have many names because languages differ.
Key Takeaway
Respect cultural language variations.
Themes
culture
language
religion
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- intercultural dialogue
- religious studies
- translation work
Key Concepts
semantic relativity
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do language and belief shape each other?
- Does naming affect perception of the divine?
A Different Perspective
May imply a uniform divine nature despite linguistic differences.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
