This article was originally written for Mockingbird. It’s a turn of phrase that I’ve seen around the Internet and various other places in the past, but only recently has it been actually uttered to my face. I wouldn’t have thought much of it but it was said twice in a few short days and it got me to thinking about how prevalent the sentiment is despite its inherent falsehood and treachery. I am, of course, referring to the oft-quoted statement, “God helps those who help themselves.” No doubt you’ve heard this expression before, more than likely from a well-meaning person. Though iterations of this proverbial phrase appear in some ancient Grecian dramas, the first appearance of the now familiar wording — “God helps those who help themselves” — stems from political theorist, Algernon Sidney in 1698.