Definition
Different paths can take one to the same goal.
Origins
Modern wording of medieval sentiment; apparently originally a reference to Roman roads generally and the Milliarium Aureum (Golden Milestone) specifically. Appears in the Latin form mīlle viae dūcunt hominēs per saecula Rōmam (“a thousand roads lead men forever to Rome”) in Liber Parabolarum, 591 (1175), by Alain de Lille. The earliest English form appears to be “right as diverse pathes leden the folk the righte wey to Rome”, in A Treatise on the Astrolabe (Prologue, ll. 39–40), 1391, by Geoffrey Chaucer.
Also Said As
- all roads lead to Mecca
- there's more than one way to skin a cat
- all roads lead to Sydney
See Also
How People Actually Use It
There are multiple ways to get to the same goal. Originated in Ancient Rome, as whenever they successfully conquered a nation, they built a concrete road starting from that nation and leading to Rome.
"Student: I can't figure this math problem out your way, can I try another way that I've been taught? Teacher: By all means. After all, all roads lead to Rome."
Source: Urban Dictionary