We are all familiar with Greek epic and fictional poetry. But there are also some great pieces of philosophical Greek poetry.
One such fascinating poem is by Xenophanes. Xenophanes, born 570 BC, was a Greek philosopher who believed in one God that is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnipresent (present everywhere). In this poem, Xenophanes, points to a problem in anthropomorphism and ascribing attributes based on our subjective expectation. This poem shows that Xenophanes could be one of the earliest monotheists in Western philosophy. As with the rest of Xenophanes’ works only fragments of the poem have survived. It is nonetheless an interesting read. Below are some verses.
Homer and Hesiod have attributed to the gods
everything that is blameworthy and disgraceful among humans
theft and adultery and mutual trickery.
… but humans suppose that gods have been born
and wear clothes like theirs and have voice and body.
But if horses or cows or lions had hands
to draw with their hands and produce works of art as men do,
horses would draw the figures of gods like horses
and cows like cows, and they would make their bodies
just as the form which they each have themselves.
One god, greatest among gods and men,
not at all like mortals in body or mind.
As a whole he sees, as a whole he thinks and as a whole he hears.
And always he stays in the same place, not moving at all,
nor is it fitting for him to travel in different directions at different times..