Those whom God wishes to destroy...

Posted by John on February 18, 2003

In Reply to: Those whom God wishes to destroy... posted by Bob on February 16, 2003

: : : : There is a quote that is something like "The gods first make mad whom they would destroy.....'

: : : : Anyone know this quote, its origins and when?

: : : : Thanks,

: : : : John

: : : Here's what I found. I have a feeling that this saying has appeared in many versions over the years.

: : : "Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad." Euripides (c. 485-406 B.C.)

: : : Quos (or Quem) deus vult perdere prius dementate (Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad). Saying under "Anonymous: L*tin.

: : : From Bartlett's Familiar Quotations.

: : When God will punish, hee will first take away the understanding. (G. Herbert, _Outlandish Proverbs_, 1640)
: : For those whom God to ruin has designed, He fits for fate, and first destroys their mind. (J. Dryden, _The Hind and the Panther_, 1687)
: : God maddens him whom 'tis his wiil to lose, And gives the choice of death or phrenzy--Choose! (Byron, letter, April 2, 1817)
: : Whom the Gods would destroy they first make mad. (H.W. Longfellow, _The Masques of Pandora_, 1875) [R. Powell wrote _Whom the Gods Would Destroy_ in 1970]

: It would seem, then, that our (America's) current national leadership is, well, in some danger of destruction.

Your assistance is appreciated...and, I must agree, there is a certain question about the what fate awaits considering the current leadership of our nation.

Thanks,

John