Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto: Unpacking the Timeless Quote
The phrase “nothing human is alien to me” is attributed to the renowned Roman comic playwright Terence, who expressed this sentiment in his play Heauton Timorumenos through the Latin quote “Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto”, translating to “I am human, and I think nothing human is alien to me”. This profound statement, which encapsulates the belief in the universal connectedness and understanding of human experiences, has become a cornerstone of empathetic philosophy, emphasizing that nothing related to the human experience should seem strange or unfamiliar to any individual.
FAQs
General Questions
- Who said “I am human, and I think nothing human is alien to me”? The quote “Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto” or “I am human, and I think nothing human is alien to me” is said by Terence, a Latin playwright.
- What does “nothing human can be alien to me” mean? This phrase means that as humans, we should be able to understand and empathize with all aspects of humanity, recognizing the intrinsic unity and shared experiences of human existence.
- What made Terence unique? Terence was unique because he was a Roman comic playwright who translated and adapted Greek New Comedy into Latin, giving it a form and expression that was considered near-perfect for the comedy of manners.
About Terence
- Who was Terence in Rome? Terence, or Publius Terentius Afer, was a significant Roman comic dramatist, known for his six verse comedies that exemplified pure Latin, following in the footsteps of Plautus, the greatest Roman comic dramatist before him.
- What was Terence’s writing style? Terence’s comedies were written in a simple, conversational Latin that was pleasant and direct, though less visually humorous compared to Plautus.
Understanding the Quote
- What is the Latin for “I am human and nothing human is alien to me”? The correct Latin quote is “Homo sum; humani nil a me alienum puto”, meaning “I am a human being; I consider nothing human alien to me”.
- Does nihil mean nothing? Yes, nihil in Latin means nothing.
Historical Context
- Where did “nothing human is alien to me” come from? This famous quotation originated from Terence’s play Heauton Timorumenos.
- When did Terence write his plays? Terence wrote his six plays in the 160s BCE.
Related Concepts
- What does appeared alien to me mean? If something appears alien to you, it means it is not the way you would normally feel or behave, seeming strange or unfamiliar.
- What does it mean if you are considered an alien? In the context of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an alien refers to an individual who does not have U.S. citizenship and is not a U.S. national.
Biography and Legacy
- How many plays did Terence write? Terence wrote six plays in the 160s BCE.
- Is it Terence or Terrence? Terence is the correct spelling of the name, though variants include Terrence, Terrance, Terance, and Torrance in Scotland.
Language and Culture
- What does sine amore nihil mean? Sine Amore Nihil is a Latin expression meaning “Without love, life is pointless”.
- What is English slang for nothing? English slang for nothing includes jack, nada, zip, zippo, zilch, squat, and nix.