Shrines! Shrines! Surely you don't believe in the gods. What's your argument? Where's your proof?
AristophanesRead
Hunger knows no friend but its feeder.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that hunger or need is a powerful force that can override relationships and loyalty.
In this quote, Aristophanes highlights the idea that when it comes to fulfilling deep-seated needs such as hunger, social bonds and friendships become secondary. It suggests that in times of desperate need, individuals are often compelled to seek help from whoever can provide it, regardless of their previous relationships or affiliations. This speaks to the primal instincts that drive human behavior, emphasizing how fundamental needs can dictate actions and priorities.
Themes
HungerNeedFriendshipPrioritiesRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing poverty, one might say, 'As Aristophanes observed, hunger knows no friend but its feeder.'
More from Aristophanes
All quotes β[Y]ou [man] are fool enough, it seems, to dare to war with [woman=] me, when for your faithful ally you might win me easily.
AristophanesRead
Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
AristophanesRead
Open your mouth and shut your eyes and see what Zeus will send you.
AristophanesRead
When men drink, then they are rich and successful and win lawsuits and are happy and help their friends. Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
AristophanesRead
These impossible women! How they do get around us! The poet was right: Can't live with them, or without them.
AristophanesRead
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