Every man for himself, and God for us all.
Meaning: Self-interest and communal welfare coexist; individual responsibility doesn't negate collective obligation to others.
Origin: Recorded in John Heywood's 1546 collection. The first half is ruthless, and the second softens it, leaving everyone to look after themselves while trusting God to watch over all. The harsher cousin is "every man for himself, and the devil take the hindmost."
Equivalents in French, Spanish, and German
- French: Chacun pour soi et Dieu pour tous (literally: Every one for himself and God for all)
- Spanish: Cada uno por sí, y Dios por todos (literally: Every one for himself, and God for us all)
- German: Ein jeder für sich, Gott für uns alle (literally: Each one for himself, God for us all)
More proverbs about Human Nature
- Experience is the mistress of fools. — Fools learn only through painful mistakes, while the wise learn from others' errors befor…
- What the eye sees not, the heart rues not. — Ignorance of misfortune shields us from suffering its emotional weight.
- Love asks faith, and faith asks firmness. — Loving requires you to trust despite uncertainty, and maintaining that trust demands stea…
- When the tree falls every man runs with his hatchet. — Misfortune creates opportunity for opportunists to exploit the vulnerable.
- Fools make feasts, and wise men eat them. — Foolish spenders throw lavish parties while prudent people enjoy free entertainment witho…
- Love and lordship like no fellowship. — Deep affection and authority cannot coexist in the same relationship without one corrupti…
From our false friends
- Firma — Actually means 'signature'. Metti la tua firma = Put your signature here.
- Magazzino — Actually means 'warehouse' or 'storeroom'. A magazine (periodical) is una rivista.
- Conveniente — Actually means 'affordable', 'good value', or 'suitable'. È conveniente = It's a good dea…