---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They were called Ontos, after the Greek…"
description: "\"“They were called Ontos, after the Greek word for \"thing,\" in part because they were ugly.”\" — Mark Bowden"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6c/mark-bowden-7188_tanks_they-were-called-ontos-after-the-greek-w_2906813.jpg"
---

#  They were called Ontos, after the Greek word for "thing,"…

![“They were called Ontos, after the Greek word for &quot;thing,&quot; in part because they were ugly.” quote by Mark Bowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6c/mark-bowden-7188_tanks_they-were-called-ontos-after-the-greek-w_2906813.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6c/mark-bowden-7188_tanks_they-were-called-ontos-after-the-greek-w_2906813.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6c/mark-bowden-7188_tanks_they-were-called-ontos-after-the-greek-w_2906813.jpg)

> ““They were called Ontos, after the Greek word for "thing," in part because they were ugly.””

[Mark Bowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-bowden/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The beings are named after the Greek word for “thing” because they are considered ugly and object-like.

**In simple terms:** They are called Ontos due to their ugliness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that labels can reduce complex beings to objects.

Themes

identity perception objectification

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

- science fiction
- character design
- social commentary

Key Concepts

philosophy semantics

Questions to Reflect On

- How does naming affect our view of others?
- What are the consequences of objectifying beings?

A Different Perspective

Labels can dehumanize and limit empathy.

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[Tanks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tanks/) [Weapons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/weapons/)

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