Part IV, the last part of my little series of famous Latin quotes!
"Pecunia non olet." (~Money doesn't stink.)
Sueton, Roman writer (~70-130 AD)
The story behind this quote is rather funny. It originated in a discussion between father and son--none other than Roman emperor Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus and his father Vespasian, former emperor--about Vespasian's ways to bring money into Roman's empty pockets. Vespasian apparently taxed urine, and collected and sold the urine from public latrines. Titus wasn't exactly happy about that, and in their discussion, Vespasian got out a coin and held it under Titus' nose, asking, 'Is its smell bothering you?' Titus negated, and Vespasian told him, 'Well, but still, it comes from urine.'
"Fortes fortuna adjuvat." (Luck is with the brave.)
Terenz, Roman poet (~190-158 BC)
This quote is often used to defend risky endeavours, and psychologists even found out that people who tend to take greater risks are generally more satisfied with their lives.
"Proximus est quisque sibi." (~Everyone is closest to himself.)
Terenz, Roman poet (~190-158 BC)
This sentence can be understood in different ways. One possibility is the human instinct which usually puts our own safety first; another possible way to understand it is as excuse to be selfish.
"Homo sum, humani nil a me alienum puto." (~Nothing human is strange to me.)
Terenz, Roman poet (~190-158 BC) or Seneca the Younger (1-65 AD)
Although it is not quite clear who coined this phrase, there is mainly one use nowadays. It is said to encourage someone to speak frankly by pointing out that nothing could be too weird or strange since it's all human.
"Tempus fugit." (~Time flies.)
Vergil, Roman poet (70-19 BC)
This quote is often used to remind ourselves that life isn't endless. Our time on earth is limited, and although some moments might appear endless, time once lost can never be retrieved.
"Quo vadis?" (~Where do you go?)
the Bible
Nowadays, this quote can be heard not only from religious people. It is used in the sense of doubting that one's life is going in the right direction.
All right, that's it.... I hope you enjoyed this mini series on famous Latin quotes and phrases.
Language ... the bridge of communication, the magic creator of worlds, the brush and paint of authors. Language is magic. It gives us power. It is something you just have to love.
Showing posts with label Latin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Latin. Show all posts
Monday, 19 September 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
Latin for Smartasses, Part III
Welcome to part III of my little series "Latin for Smartasses"!
"Nomen est omen." (~Name is fate.)
Titus Maccius Plautus, Roman poet (~250-184 BC)
Names always wake certain assossiations. This fact was already known by Titus Maccius Plautus, who coined this short but often cited quote. Nowadays, not only parents but also marketing experts keep this quote in mind when trying to decide on the right name (parents for their children, marketing experts for brands or new products).
"Multum, non multa." (~Much, not many.)
Plinius the Younger, Roman politician and writer (~61-113 AD)
Plinius referred to the opinion that it's not important to read many books (that is, about many different topics, but only gaining superficial knowledge) but much in general, thus gaining deeper knowledge.
"Cum grano salis." (~With a grain of salt.)
Plinius the Older, Roman Scholar (~23-79 AD)
If something should be taken "cum grano salis", with a grain of salt, it shouldn't be taken too seriously. Plinius coined this phrase in one of his publications, where he advised readers to take a certain antidote for snake bites with a grain of salt added to show he wasn't really convinced of its use.
"Errare humanum est." (~To err is human.)
Seneca the Older, Roman speaker (54 BC-39 AD), or Cicero, Roman politician and philosopher (106-43 BC), or Hieronymus, church scholar and saint (347-419 AD)
It is not clear who of the three actually coined this phrase; however, that doesn't change its truth. The phrase is often used in an apology for a stupid mistake.
"Necessarium malum." (~A necessary evil.)
Alexander Severus, Roman emperor (208-235 AD)
Alexander Severus referred to the profession of tax inspectors as a necessary evil after he realised that he couldn't do without them (although he wanted to).
"Ave, Imperator, morituri te salutant." (~Ave, Emperor, the moribunds salute you.)
Sueton, Roman writer (~70-130 AD)
This phrase is often used in Asterix comics, and supposedly was said by gladiators to pay their respect to the emperor before fighting to death; however, there isn't evidence to support this assumption. The only written evidence of this phrase is by Sueton, who wrote about a sea battle which had been staged for Emperor Claudius.
Still want more quotes? Then don't miss next week's fourth and last part of "Latin for Smartasses"!
"Nomen est omen." (~Name is fate.)
Titus Maccius Plautus, Roman poet (~250-184 BC)
Names always wake certain assossiations. This fact was already known by Titus Maccius Plautus, who coined this short but often cited quote. Nowadays, not only parents but also marketing experts keep this quote in mind when trying to decide on the right name (parents for their children, marketing experts for brands or new products).
"Multum, non multa." (~Much, not many.)
Plinius the Younger, Roman politician and writer (~61-113 AD)
Plinius referred to the opinion that it's not important to read many books (that is, about many different topics, but only gaining superficial knowledge) but much in general, thus gaining deeper knowledge.
"Cum grano salis." (~With a grain of salt.)
Plinius the Older, Roman Scholar (~23-79 AD)
If something should be taken "cum grano salis", with a grain of salt, it shouldn't be taken too seriously. Plinius coined this phrase in one of his publications, where he advised readers to take a certain antidote for snake bites with a grain of salt added to show he wasn't really convinced of its use.
"Errare humanum est." (~To err is human.)
Seneca the Older, Roman speaker (54 BC-39 AD), or Cicero, Roman politician and philosopher (106-43 BC), or Hieronymus, church scholar and saint (347-419 AD)
It is not clear who of the three actually coined this phrase; however, that doesn't change its truth. The phrase is often used in an apology for a stupid mistake.
"Necessarium malum." (~A necessary evil.)
Alexander Severus, Roman emperor (208-235 AD)
Alexander Severus referred to the profession of tax inspectors as a necessary evil after he realised that he couldn't do without them (although he wanted to).
"Ave, Imperator, morituri te salutant." (~Ave, Emperor, the moribunds salute you.)
Sueton, Roman writer (~70-130 AD)
This phrase is often used in Asterix comics, and supposedly was said by gladiators to pay their respect to the emperor before fighting to death; however, there isn't evidence to support this assumption. The only written evidence of this phrase is by Sueton, who wrote about a sea battle which had been staged for Emperor Claudius.
Still want more quotes? Then don't miss next week's fourth and last part of "Latin for Smartasses"!
Monday, 5 September 2011
Latin for Smartasses, Part II
All right, here's part II of my mini series "Latin for Smartasses". Enjoy!
"Alter Ego" (~other self)
Cicero, Roman politician and philosopher (106-43 BC)
It seems to refer to a very good friend who is called one's "alter ego", one's other self, due to a special closeness.
"O tempora, o mores" (~Oh times, oh morales)
Cicero, Roman politician and philosopher (106-43 BC)
Cicero complained about corruption and evil among his peers in his first speech against his political enemy Catilina, who had conspired against the Roman government but still hadn't been punished for it. Nowadays, it is often used in a humorous way.
"Cogito, ergo sum." (~I think, so I am.)
René Descartes, French scientist and philosopher (1596-1650)
Actually, the original version of this quote is French (Je pense, donc je suis.). The Latin version is much more common nowadays, though. With this simple statement, Descartes proves that humans are able to be aware of themselves.
"Panem et circenses." (~Bread and games.)
Juvenal, Roman poet (1st century)
Juvenal crisicised that the Roman people would accept each and every whim and caprice of their government if they were just kept happy with games and free food. In modern politics, this quote is more prevailing than ever, even though the means of keeping the people quiet may be different. Be it a huge sports event during which a government passes unpopular laws without anyone taking notice, or some new law which at first sight helps the people, only to be followed by a second, much more negative one; politicians all around the world seem to have learnt from Roman political strategies. Leaves to see if they learnt from Roman history as well....
"Quod erat demonstrandum (q.e.d.)." (~Which had to be proven.)
Euclid, Greek mathematician (~365-300 BC)
"Quod erat demonstrandum", or rather the short form "q.e.d.", is the common closure of a mathematical proof. Originally, this saying came from the ancient Greek mathematician Euklid, and several other ancient Greek mathematicians used the Greek equivalent as well, long before the Latin version was used.
"Nulla poena sine lege!" (~No crime, no punishment without law.)
Anselm von Feuerbach, German law scientist (1775-1833)
Although the basic principle behind this quote was already put into words by Roman jurist Ulpian, it was indeed a German who coined this quote. This principle is written down in many a country's constitution and aims at protecting the people from arbitrariness by law or government officials (prosecution for an act which wasn't a crime when it happened but was made a crime afterwards, for example).
"Homo homini lupus est." (~One man is the other man's wolf.)
Titus Maccius Plautus, Roman poet (~250-184 BC)
This quote means that one man is another man's foe; men constantly fight each other for various motives (greed, jealousy, envy...). In today's capitalist western world, the truth behind this quote can easily be seen on the financial markets, in politics and big companies and corporate groups.
You still don't have enough of my Latin for Smartasses? You're lucky; there's another part coming up next week!
"Alter Ego" (~other self)
Cicero, Roman politician and philosopher (106-43 BC)
It seems to refer to a very good friend who is called one's "alter ego", one's other self, due to a special closeness.
"O tempora, o mores" (~Oh times, oh morales)
Cicero, Roman politician and philosopher (106-43 BC)
Cicero complained about corruption and evil among his peers in his first speech against his political enemy Catilina, who had conspired against the Roman government but still hadn't been punished for it. Nowadays, it is often used in a humorous way.
"Cogito, ergo sum." (~I think, so I am.)
René Descartes, French scientist and philosopher (1596-1650)
Actually, the original version of this quote is French (Je pense, donc je suis.). The Latin version is much more common nowadays, though. With this simple statement, Descartes proves that humans are able to be aware of themselves.
"Panem et circenses." (~Bread and games.)
Juvenal, Roman poet (1st century)
Juvenal crisicised that the Roman people would accept each and every whim and caprice of their government if they were just kept happy with games and free food. In modern politics, this quote is more prevailing than ever, even though the means of keeping the people quiet may be different. Be it a huge sports event during which a government passes unpopular laws without anyone taking notice, or some new law which at first sight helps the people, only to be followed by a second, much more negative one; politicians all around the world seem to have learnt from Roman political strategies. Leaves to see if they learnt from Roman history as well....
"Quod erat demonstrandum (q.e.d.)." (~Which had to be proven.)
Euclid, Greek mathematician (~365-300 BC)
"Quod erat demonstrandum", or rather the short form "q.e.d.", is the common closure of a mathematical proof. Originally, this saying came from the ancient Greek mathematician Euklid, and several other ancient Greek mathematicians used the Greek equivalent as well, long before the Latin version was used.
"Nulla poena sine lege!" (~No crime, no punishment without law.)
Anselm von Feuerbach, German law scientist (1775-1833)
Although the basic principle behind this quote was already put into words by Roman jurist Ulpian, it was indeed a German who coined this quote. This principle is written down in many a country's constitution and aims at protecting the people from arbitrariness by law or government officials (prosecution for an act which wasn't a crime when it happened but was made a crime afterwards, for example).
"Homo homini lupus est." (~One man is the other man's wolf.)
Titus Maccius Plautus, Roman poet (~250-184 BC)
This quote means that one man is another man's foe; men constantly fight each other for various motives (greed, jealousy, envy...). In today's capitalist western world, the truth behind this quote can easily be seen on the financial markets, in politics and big companies and corporate groups.
You still don't have enough of my Latin for Smartasses? You're lucky; there's another part coming up next week!
Monday, 29 August 2011
Latin for Smartasses, Part I
Since I know that writers tend to be smartasses (at least sometimes), here are a few select quotes from Latin for you, to be used at your leisure to demonstrate your wisdom, exceptional education, or just to annoy the hell out of others.
"In vino veritas" (~truth in wine)
Alkaios from Lesbos, Greek poet (630-580 BC)
Plinius the Older (23-79 AD)
The original quote is supposed to be from Alkaios, though in his native language, Greek. Plinius was the first one to use the Latin version of it, "in vino veritas", though. It referred to the believe that drunk people can't effectively lie anymore and will therefore tell you the truth.
"Veni, vidi, vici." (~I came, I saw, I won.)
Julius Caesar (100-44 BC)
This quote is supposed to be written down by Julius Caesar after he had won a surprisingly easy battle over Pharnakes II.
"Qui tacet, consentire videtur." (~Who is silent seems to agree.)
Pope Bonifazius VIII (1235-1303)
Pope Bonifazius chose these words carefully to make it clear that silence needn't mean agreement in every case.
"Festina lente!" (~Hurry slowly!)
Augustus, Roman Emperor (63 BC-14 AD)
According to history, Emperor Augustus despised haste since he saw the flaws of a bad strategist in it.
"nolens volens" (~not wanting, wanting)
Augustinus from Hippo (354-430 AD)
This quote means that someone does something although he doesn't want to do it.
"Ceterum censeo...." (~Furthermore, I think....)
Cato the Older (234-149 BC)
Cato started his plea to destroy Carthago with this quote, according to history. He repeated his plea in every meeting of the Roman senat until Carthago was finally destroyed in 150 BC.
"Carpe diem." (~Seize the day.)
Horace, Roman poet (65-8 BC)
Maybe the most well-known Latin quote ever. Horace's intention was to remind people of how short life was. In his opinion, hope was pointless and it was much more sensible to live in the now and here instead of wasting time with predictions of the future.
Watch out for more Latin quotes next week!
"In vino veritas" (~truth in wine)
Alkaios from Lesbos, Greek poet (630-580 BC)
Plinius the Older (23-79 AD)
The original quote is supposed to be from Alkaios, though in his native language, Greek. Plinius was the first one to use the Latin version of it, "in vino veritas", though. It referred to the believe that drunk people can't effectively lie anymore and will therefore tell you the truth.
"Veni, vidi, vici." (~I came, I saw, I won.)
Julius Caesar (100-44 BC)
This quote is supposed to be written down by Julius Caesar after he had won a surprisingly easy battle over Pharnakes II.
"Qui tacet, consentire videtur." (~Who is silent seems to agree.)
Pope Bonifazius VIII (1235-1303)
Pope Bonifazius chose these words carefully to make it clear that silence needn't mean agreement in every case.
"Festina lente!" (~Hurry slowly!)
Augustus, Roman Emperor (63 BC-14 AD)
According to history, Emperor Augustus despised haste since he saw the flaws of a bad strategist in it.
"nolens volens" (~not wanting, wanting)
Augustinus from Hippo (354-430 AD)
This quote means that someone does something although he doesn't want to do it.
"Ceterum censeo...." (~Furthermore, I think....)
Cato the Older (234-149 BC)
Cato started his plea to destroy Carthago with this quote, according to history. He repeated his plea in every meeting of the Roman senat until Carthago was finally destroyed in 150 BC.
"Carpe diem." (~Seize the day.)
Horace, Roman poet (65-8 BC)
Maybe the most well-known Latin quote ever. Horace's intention was to remind people of how short life was. In his opinion, hope was pointless and it was much more sensible to live in the now and here instead of wasting time with predictions of the future.
Watch out for more Latin quotes next week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)