ProverbHuman Nature
English origin1546
English origin1546Every 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, German, and Portuguese
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)
Portuguese: Cada um por si e Deus por todos (literally: Each for himself and God for all)
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