Roman philosophers have gifted us with great pieces of wisdom that can be invaluable for everyday life, from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations to authors like Virgil and Lucian of Samosata.
The phrases below are great for bringing more wisdom into your everyday life, whether in business dealings, prioritizing life pursuits, or simply behaving in a manner you can be proud of.
Plus, great pieces of wisdom sound a lot cooler when they’re said in Latin, don’t they?
9 Latin mantras to adopt to bring more wisdom into your everyday life:
1. Incepto ne desistam (may I not shrink from my purpose).
Each of us has the potential to make a difference in the world, though it can be difficult to remain motivated when faced with immense opposition. And when you find a purpose that you align with, it can be extremely frustrating if you are derailed from pursuing it.
This is when you draw upon this phrase and let it inspire you to find a way around, over, or through any obstacle that life may place in your path, so that nothing keeps you from aligning with and attaining your goal.
When it feels like the entire world is against you, that things are terrible and there’s little point in doing anything, a phrase like this can be like a fire lit beneath you.
2. Per ardua, ad astra (through adversity, to the stars).
This phrase was adapted from ancient Latin writings for the Royal Flying Corps in 1912, and became the official motto of the British Royal Air Force upon its formation in 1918.
The implication is that there is no easy way to get to the stars, and the path to get to them is usually fraught with all manner of adversity.
It’s a phrase that has brought me immense comfort and strength during some of the most challenging times of my life.
I first saw it etched on a cemetery memorial when I was living in a converted chapel nearby, and happened upon it at exactly the right time.
My life was incredibly stressful at the time, and coming across this phrase while I was having a particularly rough day reminded me that nothing worth attaining is achieved easily. Every time I’ve faced significant adversity since, I’ve reminded myself of this mantra, and it has encouraged me to keep pushing through, no matter what.
3. Ab imo pectore (from the bottom of my heart).
Expressions of affection are bandied about without real sincerity nowadays. Phrases that would have been reserved for closest friends and beloved partners are now texted to random strangers online, and have lost a significant amount of their gravitas.
This phrase is a reminder to draw from the deepest, most sincere, and devoted parts of your heart and soul when dealing with pursuits or people you’re passionate about.
We only have so much time and energy in this beautiful life, and reminding yourself to do things with great care and focus can mean the difference between truly living and just existing.
It’s also a reminder to love yourself and show yourself the same amount of care and compassion you’d bestow upon your child or the love of your life.
You’re an expression of the universe experiencing existence, and that deserves to be honored.
4. Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).
I encountered this phrase for the first time when I read Stephen King’s book Needful Things. It hung inside Leland Gaunt’s antique shop and was a warning to those who shopped there that they should do their due diligence about assessing things clearly before making the purchase they’ve been considering.
This warning doesn’t just apply to purchases, but can relate to life choices and personal relationships as well, as many of us ignore glaring red flags because we sincerely want things to work out the way we hope and dream that they will.
I remember practically yelling at the book characters to be careful; to not fall for the shiny baubles and promises being offered because they would undoubtedly lead to their ruin, yet on many occasions I’ve chosen to ignore those same signs in front of me, which regularly resulted in pain and disappointment.
5. Homo bulla (man is a bubble).
The word “man” in this phrase refers to humans, not solely the males of the species. It’s a reminder that life is bright and fragile, and although it’s incredibly beautiful, it can disappear at any given moment.
Bubbles blown by putti (little child-like angels) were common themes in Renaissance art, as they were reminders to viewers of life’s fragility and the importance of living life to the fullest.
Furthermore, these bubbles also remind us that every individual is the center of their own world and has many things going on that others aren’t privy to.
With our own busy lives, stresses, needs, and wants, it’s easy to become hyperfocused on ourselves and forget that other people have the same thoughts, fears, hopes, and needs as us, but it’s important to keep that in mind at all times.
6. Audaces fortuna iuvat (fortune favors the bold).
It’s only by taking risks that a person can attain “greatness” in any way. In the Aeneid, a major military figure shouted this phrase to inspire his troops, and apparently Pliny the Elder used it to galvanize sailors to rescue survivors of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption.
But greatness doesn’t have to mean conquering empires. For most of us, it will just be about making the brave choice that will improve our life in some small, but meaningful way.
Life can be scary at times, and it’s often a lot easier to remain in a comfort zone than to take a risk, especially if there’s no guarantee of success. But every person who has achieved personal greatness in some shape or form has taken risks in order to attain that greatness.
7. Morior invictus (I die unvanquished).
This is more of a neo-Latin than classical Latin phrase, but it’s worth including, nonetheless.
Although this phrase was often used in battle, i.e., “death before defeat”, it has also been applied to situations in which a person held true to something they were devoted to, right to the end.
It encourages a person to stand strong in the face of persecution or manipulation, with the refusal to bow down to pressure from outside sources — no matter how insidious they may be.
Many brave people who have been subjected to persecution and torture because of their beliefs, their political affiliations, or even their refusal to obey harmful orders have held to this mantra.
It’s an encouragement to always have the courage of your convictions, and not to bow and break, even in the face of immense opposition.
8. In nocte consilium (advice comes in the night).
In simplest terms, “sleep on it.”
Countless sticky situations could have been avoided if we paused and considered them carefully rather than leaping into action. We all know that when we make decisions in the heat of the moment, we do things we end up regretting.
This phrase encourages us to mull things over once we’ve calmed down. Get a good night’s sleep, see how you feel about it in the morning, and then decide upon a course of action.
By doing so, you don’t just make a decision without emotions clouding your judgement, but you also allow time for more details to make themselves known.
In the light of a brand new day, you may discover information that you weren’t privy to the night before; information that may change your mind or skew your decision in a completely different direction.
If you had taken action before waiting, you may end up seriously regretting your choice without having the option to take another route.
9. Media vita in morte sumus (in the midst of our lives, we are in death).
This phrase was originally part of a 14th-century Gregorian chant. Although it had religious connotations at the time, it can be interpreted secularly as well. Namely, as encouragement to live your life in such a way that if death comes for you without warning, you’re prepared to leave without regret.
It goes beyond “live each day as if it were your last,” and instead places priority on living well, in a manner that makes you proud.
For example, are you living with integrity? Being the best and most noble version of yourself? Are you leaving a legacy that’ll create lasting good in the world long after you’re gone? How about making amends for past missteps?
By keeping this mantra in mind, the decisions you make and the manner in which you live your life can bring you nothing but satisfaction in the beautiful life you’ve led.
Final thoughts…
Each of these phrases can be interpreted and adapted to suit your particular needs. For example, “fortune favors the bold” can encourage you to go to your high school reunion despite your trepidations, where you’ll reconnect with an old friend and get a new job opportunity.
And sleeping on a difficult decision may result in you either committing to a healthy relationship or leaving a harmful one.
Make these mantras your own, and allow them to bring you comfort as well as strengthen your resolve as you go about your life.
