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: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.
Translations
- 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)
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