The phrase you mentioned, "those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad," is often attributed to Euripides, a renowned ancient Greek playwright. However, the exact origin and specific context of the quote can be challenging to pinpoint, as it has been passed down through various sources and translations over the centuries.
The general idea behind this expression is that in ancient cultures, it was believed that the gods had control over human destiny and could influence the fate of individuals. When someone was "made mad" by the gods, it meant they were afflicted with madness or irrational behavior, which ultimately led to their downfall or destruction.
This concept is not unique to ancient Greek culture; similar notions about divine intervention in human affairs can be found in various other ancient civilizations as well. The idea of gods punishing or causing the downfall of humans was a way for people to explain the inexplicable or tragic events that occurred in their lives.
In the ancient world, gods were often seen as capricious and powerful beings who could bestow blessings or bring calamities upon mortals. Madness or irrational behavior was considered a divine punishment or a sign of divine disfavor. The concept also served as a cautionary tale, warning people about the consequences of hubris or excessive pride, as it was believed that such arrogance could attract the wrath of the gods.
It's important to remember that these beliefs were products of the religious and mythological frameworks of ancient civilizations and may not align with modern understandings of mental health or causality. Today, we approach mental health issues and human behavior from a different perspective, recognizing the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to human experiences.