Hebrews Quote by Simon Schama
““As far as Matthew Arnold was concerned, Hellenes and Hebrews were oil and water.1 Both were ‘august’ and, in their respective ways, ‘admirable’, but they didn’t mix. Greeks pursued self-realisation; Jews struggled at self-conquest. ‘Be obedient’ was the sovereign command of Judaism; ‘be true to your nature’ was what mattered to the Hellene.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Greeks and the Jews, Simon Schama, 2016
The quote contrasts Greek self‑realisation with Jewish self‑conquest, noting their cultural differences and incompatibility.
In simple terms: Greeks seek self‑realisation, Jews seek self‑conquest; they clash.
Key Takeaway
Recognise cultural differences without assuming superiority.
Themes
culture
identity
conflict
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
comparative
historical
When to use this quote
- academic discussion
- intercultural dialogue
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
self‑realisation
self‑conquest
obedience
nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile differing cultural values?
- Can opposing philosophies coexist peacefully?
A Different Perspective
Cultural generalisations can oversimplify complex histories.
