Are you contemplating something serious in life? If so, another person may tell you "all the gods, all the heavens," but what do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this proverb.
Meaning
The meaning of the phrase "all the gods, all the heavens" refers to an internal struggle. It's a blessing to other people that shows them that they must look within to find the answer to their problems.
Our subconscious holds the answer to many of life's questions, and accessing it can help us understand who we are and what we are thinking.
Example Usage
James: "I don't know what to do. A big part of me wants to leave it all behind and immigrate, but another part of me wants to stay."
John: "All the gods, all the heavens are within you. Take some time to think about what you want in life and listen to your gut."
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Hannah: "I don't know if Charles is the right guy for me. There's something in his behavior that seems suspicious, and I think he might be cheating on me."
Trish: "All the gods, all the heavens. If you look deep inside, you'll find out how you truly feel about him."
Origin
This philosophical quote appears in the book "The Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell, published in 1988. The book is about the role of legend and myth in society and their role in our behavior and thinking. Campbell's original use of the saying was in the more comprehensive version, reading as follows.
"All the gods, all the Heavens, all the Hells are within you."
The book was such a success that it ended up as the inspiration for a PBS series by the same name. Campbell published his book shortly after featuring in a documentary of the same name, gaining him best-seller status and international acclaim for his work.
However, in the nineties, people would adopt the shortened version of the phrase, "all the gods, all the heavens." It makes sense since the message carries the same intent as the original, but fewer words are required to get the point across to the other person.
Phrases Similar to All the Gods all the Heavens
- You are a being of light energy.
- Look within to find the truth.
Phrases Opposite to All the Gods all the Heavens
- You are powerless.
- You have no control over your destiny.
What is the Correct Saying?
- All the gods, all the heavens.
- All the gods, all the heavens, all the hells are inside you.
Ways People May Say All the Gods all the Heavens Incorrectly
Using the phrase to describe the physical or religious concepts of heaven or hell is not the correct use of the term. The phrase refers to the internal struggle between good and evil, light and dark, and depression and happiness that we all go through. The expression refers to an internal struggle, not a religious battle.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase All the Gods all the Heavens
You can use the expression, "all the gods, all the heavens," when you're trying to tell someone that they need to take time to examine their internal struggle. For instance, you could have a friend or colleague having difficulty quitting substances.
Using the phrase as a motivator helps them understand that the struggle is within them, and they have the strength to see it through. It's a way of telling someone that they are responsible for their happiness and everything that occurs in their thinking and actions.