“All for one, and one for all!”
This proclamation of friendship and loyalty between a group of French musketeers named Athos, Porthos, Aramis and d’Artagnan was easily recognised by three-quarters of Gulf News’ twitter poll respondents.
The Three Musketeers, by nineteenth-century French author Alexandre Dumas, set in 1625, follows the adventures of a young d’Artagnan after he leaves home to travel to Paris, to join the Musketeers of the Guard. Although d’Artagnan is not able to join this elite corps immediately, he befriends the three most formidable musketeers of the age – Athos, Porthos and Aramis – and becomes involved in affairs of the state and court.
Historically, the phrase “All for one, and one for all” has always been associated with the high standards the Musketeers adhered to, to the extent that Switzerland used it as a call for aid, during a national disaster.
In the Swiss Alps, in late September and early October 1868, autumn storms caused widespread floods. Officials then launched an aid campaign under the slogan, deliberately using it to evoke a sense of duty, solidarity and national unity in the country.
Which other slogans or mottos from literature inspire you? Share them with us at readers@gulfnews.com
