I had been thinking what should I write in my next blog then I thought how about Phrases since one of it is the designation of my blog!!!! Here are some phrases which have a story about their basis but first I will explain Cogito Ergo Sum .
Cognito Ergo Sum -'I think, therefore I am'----- It’s a Latin(Language of ancient rome) phrase. The statement became a foundational element of Western philosophy It was first used by Rene Descartes who is called the ‘Father of western Philosophy’. In case anyone of you wants to read more of western philosophy and go get a book ‘Sophie’s World’. I know I am digressing from the topic but just one more thing before I come back on track. Whenever I use the word digression I recall my English teacher who used to play game called digression (which means Diversion). She used to give us a topic and we were supposed to stick to it and in case anyone of us drifted from it whole class used to shout Digression Digression. Needless to say I never won that game . Can you think of a English word which is derived from Cogito....Its cognition (which means knowledge).
Achilles heel--- When I first came across this phrase my first reaction was oh we have some thing like this in our own epic Mahabhart.It was also there in the movie Troy.Achilles was one of the bravest hero in the Trojan war, according to Greek mythology.When Achilles was born, his mother (Thetis) tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the river (Styx).As she immersed him, she held him by one heel and forgot to dip him a second time so the heel she held could get wet too.Therefore, the place where she held him remained untouched by the magic water of the Styx and that part stayed vulnerable.
The use of “Achilles’ heel” as an expression used for “area of weakness,vulnerable spot” ,“small but crucial weakness”.
Sword of Damocles---- There was this Greek king(Dionysius) who was very rich with all the luxuries and riches of life. Among his sycophant (means flatters) there was guy called Damocles. Damocles used to make comments to the king about his wealth and luxurious life. One day king said "If you think I'm so lucky, how would you like to try out my life?". Damocles agreed. Damocles was enjoying himself immensely... until he noticed a sharp sword hovering over his head that was suspended from the ceiling by a horse hair. This, the king explained to Damocles, was what life as ruler was really like.Damocles then eagerly returned to his poorer, but safer life.The use of “Sword of Damocles” as an expression used for “walk a mile in my shoes”.
Last phrase it’s a bit cliche and I used to use it so many time without knowing its origin… We again go back to Greek mythology for understanding this phrase. I wonder if there is some book which can give me a brief overview about Greek mythology . If you know such book then please tell me. Anyways, here is the phrase and the story … ……….
Pandora Box (told you its a cliche) : In Greek mythology God of Gods is Zeus. Prometheus who was a Titan(deity) was given the task of creating humans Zeus. Prometheus started liking his creation that were humans and he stole fire from Zeus gave it to man.In order to punish Prometheus Zeus created a woman (men are really lucky, even in punishment they got the best creation ;)).First woman was named Pandora. Various gods gave her varied gifts like beauty, charm, wit, elegance (we are gifted) and also curiosity.Zeus gave her a box and told her never to open it. Curious as she was, she opened it and from it flew hate, anger, poverty ……. and all the bad things.When she saw what was being let out of it, she closed it and one thing that couldn't escape was hopelessness.
