Born Quote by Richard Cumberland
“All other men, being born of woman, have a navel, by reason of the umbilical vessels inserted into it, which from the placenta carry nourishment to children in the womb of their mothers; but it could not be so with our first parents. It cannot be believed that God gave them navels which would have been altogether useless.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: “De Legibus” (On Laws), 1672
God would not give first humans useless navels; their bodies were designed for nourishment, not for human‑like features.
In simple terms: Navels serve a purpose for humans, not for the first humans.
Key Takeaway
Understand design purpose in nature.
Themes
design
purpose
theology
biology
logic
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical anatomy
- theological study
- education
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
Teleology
natural law
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why emphasize functional design in theology?
- What does this tell us about interpreting ancient texts?
A Different Perspective
Literal readings may miss metaphorical intent.
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