5 Deep Meanings Of "Each For Their Own" You Didn't Know: From Roman Law To Subjective Reality

The search for the meaning of "each for their own" often leads to a deeper, more profound philosophical rabbit hole than a simple idiom. As of December 15, 2025, this phrase, while technically a slight misphrasing of the common idiom "to each their own," encapsulates a critical concept in modern discourse: the acknowledgment of subjective reality and personal truth. This article dives into the historical origins of the core phrase and explores the complex philosophical layers that make the idea of "each for their own meaning" a cornerstone of contemporary individuality and tolerance. The core intent behind searching for "each for their own meaning" is not just to find a dictionary definition, but to explore the boundaries of personal preference, moral relativism, and the individual's right to their own interpretation of the world. We are not just talking about taste in music or food; we are examining the fundamental human right to define one's own reality.

The Definitive Biography of a Phrase: "To Each Their Own"

The phrase "each for their own" is a common, slightly altered rendition of the widely accepted idiom, "to each their own." The meaning is straightforward: everyone is entitled to their own preferences, tastes, or opinions. It is an expression of tolerance, indifference, or a peaceful agreement to disagree. The true authority and historical weight of the phrase, however, come from its ancient Latin predecessor.

Tracing the Roots: From Latin *Suum Cuique*

The concept behind "to each their own" is far from new; it is one of the oldest maxims of Western thought, rooted in the Latin phrase *Suum Cuique*. * Classical Translation: *Suum cuique* translates literally to "to each his own" or "may each have what is proper to him". * Legal Maxim: In Roman law, the principle was codified as *suum cuique tribuere*, meaning "to render to every person his due". This established the concept as a foundational definition of justice—that justice is giving everyone what they deserve. * Philosophical Context: The concept was referenced by philosophers like Plato and Cicero, linking the maxim not just to legal rights but to the idea of a proper, deserved place or portion for every individual. Over time, the phrase evolved from a strict legal and philosophical definition of deserved justice into the modern, softer expression of personal preference and tolerance.

Common Misphrasing and Modern Usage

The slight variations in the idiom—"each to their own," "to each their own," or the user's focus, "each for their own meaning"—reflect how language adapts to emphasize different nuances. * Focus on Preference: In modern English, "to each their own" is typically used to conclude a discussion about subjective tastes (e.g., "I hate pineapple on pizza, but to each their own"). * Focus on Interpretation: The search for "each for their own meaning" specifically highlights the shift from *preference* (taste) to *interpretation* (meaning), pushing the phrase into the realm of philosophy, psychology, and subjective reality.

The Philosophical Weight: Subjectivity and Individual Interpretation

When we move beyond the simple idiom and focus on the concept of "each for their own meaning," we tap into deeper philosophical entities such as Subjectivism, Existentialism, and the nature of Truth. This is where the phrase gains its true topical authority.

Existentialism and Created Meaning

The idea that "each for their own meaning" is a fundamental truth resonates strongly with existentialist thought. Existential philosophers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, argue that existence precedes essence. * No Pre-determined Purpose: In a meaningless universe, there is no universal, objective meaning of life. * Individual Responsibility: Each individual is therefore responsible for *creating* their own meaning, purpose, and values. * Personal Truth: The meaning one assigns to an event, a relationship, or an entire life is a personal truth, making it valid for that individual, even if it differs entirely from another's.

The Psychology of Personal Preference and Subjective Reality

Psychology supports the philosophical notion of individual meaning through the lens of perception and subjective reality. Our reality is not purely objective; it is filtered through our unique experiences, emotions, beliefs, and senses. * Perception is Personal: Even when two people witness the exact same event, their personal perception—their subjective view of reality—will differ based on their internal state and past experiences. * Subjective Views: A person's beliefs, opinions, and feelings are inherently incorporated into their subjective view of the world, distinguishing it from an objective truth that is free from personal bias. * The Power of Belief: While objective truth (facts) exists, our personal perception and belief about that truth are subjective. This subjective perception is the "meaning" we live by.

Navigating Conflict: When Individual Meaning Collides

The phrase "each for their own meaning" is a powerful tool for promoting tolerance and understanding, but it has limitations. It raises critical questions about moral relativism, universal ethics, and the need for shared principles.

The Line Between Preference and Principle

While it is easy to accept that everyone has their own preferences (a subjective taste in art or fashion), applying "each for their own meaning" to fundamental moral or ethical principles becomes challenging. * Moral Relativism: If every person's meaning is equally valid, does that mean all moral positions are also equally valid? This is the core conflict of moral relativism, which suggests that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint (e.g., a culture or historical period). * Universal Ethics: Most societies operate based on the need for shared, objective ethical standards (e.g., laws against theft or violence) to function. These shared standards limit the extent to which one can claim "each for their own meaning" in the public sphere. The phrase is most effective when used to acknowledge differing life philosophies or personal interpretations of events, rather than to excuse actions that violate established, necessary communal ethics.

Cultivating Genuine Tolerance

Ultimately, the utility of the phrase "each for their own meaning" is in fostering genuine tolerance and empathy. It serves as a reminder of several key human entities:

• Individuality: Acknowledging the unique, unrepeatable nature of every human experience.
• Empathy: The ability to understand that another person's subjective reality is as real and valid to them as yours is to you.
• Non-Judgment: Using the phrase to pause judgment on another's life choices, as long as those choices do not cause harm.
• Intellectual Humility: Recognizing that your personal truth is not the universal truth.

In a world increasingly polarized by differing beliefs and interpretations, the ancient Roman maxim, softened and expanded into the modern concept of "each for their own meaning," remains a vital call for mutual respect and the recognition of subjective human experience. It is the ultimate expression of the right to define one's own path.