He suggests at some points that the pagan deities are based on humans, but at others that they are misanthropic demons, and he cites several classical sources in support of this second hypothesis. Clement, like many pre-Nicene fathers, writes favourably about Euhemerus and other rationalist philosophers, on the grounds that they at least saw the flaws in paganism.
At times, he claims that pagan deities are rooted in human nature, but at other instances, he views them as misanthropic demons. He cites numerous classical sources to bolster this latter viewpoint. Similar to many pre-Nicene fathers, Clement endorses Euhemerus and rationalist philosophers; they recognize the shortcomings of paganism.