Mohammed and the mountain

[sara3]

whats that all about then?

I can't quite remember the exact phrase, something about the mountain coming to Mohammed? or vice versa?

anyways.. can some smarty pants please explain?

thank you :o)

[Clanad]

'If Mohammed won't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed'... One source says it first occured in Essays of Francis Bacon, published in 1625...
The general meaning is if someone or something will not come to you, you have to go to them (or it). If you can't suceed the easy way, then try the difficult alternative...

[sara3]

thank you, Clanad.. but is there a story behind the saying?

[Clanad]

According to Sir Francis Bacon, "... Nay, you shall see a bold fellow many times do Mahomet's miracle. Mahomet made the people believe that he would call an hill (sic) to him, and from the top of it offer up his prayers, for the observers of his law. The people assembled; Mahomet called the hill to come to him, again and again; and when the hill stood still, he was never a whit abashed, but said, If the hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the hill. So these men, when they have promised great matters, and failed most shamefully, yet (if they have the perfection of boldness) they will but slight it over, and make a turn, and no more ado." Our friends at Phrase Finders state: "...the story goes that Mohammad, to prove a point, prayed for the mountain to come to him. When it didn't, he walked there himself and then thanked God for His mercy - had the prayer been granted, he and those with him would have been crushed.... The point is to deal with the world as it is rather than expecting it to conform to you.

[sara3]

Clanad, you are a star.. thank you!

I was discussing this with my boss today and we didn't know where this came from. I'm going to enjoy telling him tomorrow.. after a very long and boring meeting!

thanks again, and goodnight :o)

[sara3]

don't advertise on my (very very) old thread!

dear oh dear :o/