We blame the gods for the pain we cause ourselves.

What it means

Zeus complains that people blame heaven for troubles their own recklessness created. Bad luck exists, but so does bad judgment. Before blaming fate, check your own part.

The source

"We blame the gods for the pain we cause ourselves." Homer said it in Odyssey 1.32-34. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

"ὢ πόποι, οἷον δή νυ θεοὺς βροτοὶ αἰτιόωνται· ἐξ ἡμέων γάρ φασι κάκʼ ἔμμεναι, οἱ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ σφῇσιν ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ὑπὲρ μόρον ἄλγεʼ ἔχουσιν"

Original Greek, Odyssey 1.32-34. Text read at github.com.

Who said it

Homer (c. 8th century BC). The poet of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the war at Troy and the long sail home. Greeks learned courage, endurance and the sea from his lines.

Questions

What does "We blame the gods for the pain we cause ourselves." mean?

Zeus complains that people blame heaven for troubles their own recklessness created. Bad luck exists, but so does bad judgment. Before blaming fate, check your own part.

Who said "We blame the gods for the pain we cause ourselves."?

Homer (c. 8th century BC). Source: Odyssey 1.32-34.

What is the original Greek?

ὢ πόποι, οἷον δή νυ θεοὺς βροτοὶ αἰτιόωνται· ἐξ ἡμέων γάρ φασι κάκʼ ἔμμεναι, οἱ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ σφῇσιν ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ὑπὲρ μόρον ἄλγεʼ ἔχουσιν. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

Is "We blame the gods for the pain we cause ourselves." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"We blame the gods for the pain we cause ourselves." (Homer, Odyssey 1.32-34, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/we-blame-the-gods-for-the-pain-we