Si quid laboras, labor ipse tolerabilis est. (If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.)
Marcus Aurelius
Learning new ways of expressing your thoughts and ideas is always a good move. Ancient Latin was historically highly regarded as a language that could best capture the essence of what the speaker or writer wanted to say.
Short, Powerful Latin Quotes
- Carpe diem – Seize the day (Horace)
- Memento mori – Remember you must die (Stoic reminder of mortality)
- Veni, vidi, vici – I came, I saw, I conquered (Julius Caesar)
- Amor fati – Love your fate (Stoic principle)
- Alea iacta est – The die is cast (Julius Caesar)
- Fortuna audaces iuvat – Fortune favors the bold
- In vino veritas – In wine, there is truth
- Ad astra per aspera – To the stars through hardship
- Tempus fugit – Time flies
- Sic transit gloria mundi – Thus passes the glory of the world
So, if you want to sound intelligent, poetic, Stoic, or philosophical, you can increase the impact of your statements by saying them in Latin. Here are some powerful Latin quotes you can use to sound worldly and intellectual!
What is A Latin Quote For Peace?
The phrase "Si vis pacem, para bellum" is a Latin adage meaning "If you want peace, prepare for war."
It is derived from a statement in the work of Roman author Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus, where the actual wording is "Therefore let him who desires peace prepare for war."
This concept is also found in earlier works such as Plato's Nomoi (Laws). The phrase highlights the idea that maintaining peace often requires a willingness to engage in war if necessary.
An example of this phrase can be seen at the entrance of the Cultural Center of the Armies in Madrid.
Marcus Aurelius Latin Quotes
"Sit tibi una delectatio et refrigerium de uno servitio communi ad alium transire, mente semper apud Deum."
Let your one delight and refreshment be to pass from one service to the community to another, with God ever in mind.
Marcus Aurelius Quotes in Latin
"Animus est locus, ubi habitans ipse se facit felicem vel miserum."
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts."
"Omnia quae accidunt, si commoda putas, commoda sunt."
"Whatever happens, happens for the right reason."
"Mutatio est naturae lex."
"Change is the law of nature."
"Humanitas generi humano est."
"Kindness is mankind’s greatest delight."
Latin Quotes on Love & Heartbreak
Whether you want to say something romantic to your partner or have a phrase to reflect on in your own thoughts, there are plenty of meaningful love quotes in Latin for you to learn.
Here are some that can give you some great inspiration!
Hei mihi! Quod nullis amor est medicabilis herbis.
Oh me! Love can not be cured by herbs.
From Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses,' this quote captures the angst that can come with troubles in love. We have all felt that way at one point or another. Ancient Latin quotes like this prove that love and heartbreak have been a crucial part of the human experience for thousands of years. You'll get through this!
Tempus fugit, amor manet.
Time passes, love remains.
No matter what happens in life, you can count on love to remain through the ages. Whether romantic, platonic, or familial, people will usually have a place in their hearts for anyone they've ever loved, no matter how long ago it was.
Ama et fac quod vis.
Love and do what you want.
Attributed to Roman bishop Aurelius Augustinus (354-430 CE), this sage advice tells us that love is the most important thing.
Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur.
A sure friend is recognized in an uncertain situation.
These wise words come from Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman orator and statesman in 106-43 BCE. The love between friends is a special sort, and you can count on your good friends to stay by your side in tough times.
Cras amet qui nunquam amavit; quique amavit, cras amet.
May he who has never loved before, love tomorrow; And may he who has loved, love tomorrow as well.
Wishing for everyone to experience love is a beautiful thing.
Finis vitae sed non amoris.
The end of life, but not of love.
The traditional vow is "Til' death do us part," but many people continue loving long after their loved one has passed on. Even when they are able to move on to a new love or a new life, they will still keep the memory of love with their special one safe in their hearts and minds.
Meminerunt omnia amantes.
Lovers remember all.
Remember this when you're with your lover! Whether positive or negative, your partner will remember all that you do for them.
Nescit amor habere modum.
Love does not know how to keep within bounds.
Recorded by Propertius, this quote means that love doesn't ascribe to any of the rules we might want to press upon it.
It might seem intimidating or scary to have a boundless love, but it can also be a beautiful thing to have a connection that overcomes obstacles that we humans decide to impose!
Qui amat, tamen hercle si seurit, nullum esurit.
He that's in love, for sure, even if he is hungry, isn't hungry at all.
Written by Plautus, this quote goes to show that love can feel like sustenance to those who are deep in it.
Whether you're love-struck or love-sick, remember to take care of yourself even if you don't feel like it!
Amoris vulnus idem sanat qui facit.
Love’s wounds are cured by love itself.
Publilius Syrus makes this point that love is a very homeopathic thing. If you've been hurt by love, only love can help you heal.
Whether it's loving yourself or finding someone else to help you learn to build your self-esteem, loving thoughts and actions are keys to recovery.
Latin Quotes About Death and Life
Like everyone else, ancient Romans and Latin speakers had a great deal of opinions about life. How to live it, what it means, and more.
These quotes can give you something to think about regarding the way you approach life.
Sic transit gloria mundi
Thus passes the glory of the world – a reminder that earthly fame and power are fleeting.
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country. (Horace)
Ars longa, vita brevis
Art is long, life is short. (Hippocrates, via Latin)
Pallida mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas regumque turres.
Pale death knocks with equal foot at the hovels of the poor and the palaces of kings. (Horace)
Requiescat in pace (R.I.P.)
May he/she rest in peace.
Bonitas non est pessimis esse meliorem.
Being good doesn’t mean being better than the worst.
It's not enough to be "not the worst." You should always strive to be the best you can be!
Someone who is cruel but "not the cruelest" is still cruel. Instead, they need to try to be kind.
Nitimur in vetitum.
We strive for the forbidden.
There's something about human nature that just loves gravitating towards things that are off-limits. This isn't inherently a bad thing, and often leads to incredible innovations and adventures, but you must also be aware of your tendencies to want to do something just because you shouldn't!
Praevalent inlicita.
What is forbidden has its special charm.
To elaborate on the previous point, Roman historian Publius Cornelius Tacitus (55 – 120 CE) again points out the natural charm of a thing we have been told to leave alone!
In this way, we have a lot in common with cats. And remember the old adage: "Curiosity killed the cat"! So, just be careful when you seek out forbidden things.
Veritas vitæ magistra.
Truth is the teacher of life.
We all learn lessons as we go through life, and we learn them by discovering the truth, whether it's painful or pleasant.
Vive ut vivas.
Live so that you may live.
So many of us are caught up in things that prevent us from feeling alive. Perhaps we are too concerned with work, petty anxieties, or fears we don't need to entertain.
Work on focusing on what really matters and allow yourself to live!
Motivational Latin Quotes
Having a handful of motivational and strength Latin quotes can be quite helpful to keep you on track to meet your goals.
Do any of these inspirational Latin quotes stand out to you or make you feel energized and ready to take on the world? Write it down and keep it nearby so you can refer to it any time you need a boost!
Melius est prevenire quam preveniri.
It is better that you preempt than that you are preempted.
Be prepared! Try to prepare yourself for challenges that may arise before the time comes.
But, remember to balance it so that you don't spend all your time worrying about things that might not happen! That in itself is a pitfall to preemptively avoid!
And, you also need to be able to pivot your plan of action based on new information or changes. Flexibility is vital when you're tackling life!
Omne initium difficile est.
All beginnings are difficult.
The first step can feel like the hardest one, and it may not ever get easier as you go through life.
Remember that everyone struggles at being a beginner, but everyone needs to start somewhere.
Qui audet adipiscitur!
He who dares, wins!
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take! Dare to dream, dare to take action, and dare to succeed!
Accidit in puncto, quod non speratur in anno.
In a moment, everything can happen that you would not have hoped for in a year.
Life is unpredictable. Most of the time we might be feeling that things are progressing too slowly. But sometimes, instead, years' worth of development can happen in seconds.
Keep your eyes open for opportunities that rocket you forward in your career, life goals, relationships, and more.
Find out unique Latin words which you can add to your vocabulary.
Amor Fati
Love your fate.
We cannot escape what happens to us, so it's best to fall in love with it instead. Embrace even the hard things that happen, or else they hold double the power over you.
Best Latin Quotes for Instagram Bio
- Audentes fortuna iuvat – Fortune helps the daring
- Carpe diem – Seize the day
- Memento mori – Remember you must die
- Amor fati – Love your fate
- Veni, vidi, vici – I came, I saw, I conquered
- Astra inclinant, non obligant – The stars incline us, they do not bind us
- Ad astra per aspera – To the stars through hardship
- Fortuna audaces iuvat – Fortune favors the bold
- In omnia paratus – Ready for anything
- Vivamus, moriendum est – Let us live, since we must die
Stoic Quotes In Latin With English Translations
"Mentem tuam ipsum instruis, non accidunt tibi res adversae."
"You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
"Vita sine proposito languida et vaga est."
"Life without purpose is sluggish and aimless."
"Non qui parum habet, sed qui plus cupit, pauper est."
"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor."
"Timendi causa est nescire."
"The cause of fear is ignorance."
"Libertas est animi, non corporis status."
"Freedom is the state of the mind, not of the body."
"Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt."
"Fate leads the willing, and drags along the reluctant."
So, do you feel more inspired about love, life, and striving towards your goals?
Ancient Latin sentiments have a special way of still being every bit as applicable today as they were when they were written thousands of years ago. How amazing is that?
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