There’s just something about Latin words that sounds more formidable, isn’t there?
Often, when we need motivation and inspiration, we seek out quotes that inspire our minds to take on the challenges we want to overcome.
Whether you want to work harder at your job, get stronger in the gym, become more understanding in your relationships, or another goal, try keeping these Latin phrases nearby for a boost of inspiration.
Where Do We Get Latin Phrases & Words From?
There are a few reasons why Latin quotes are so admired and often used in the modern day.
Even though Latin evolved into languages like Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Catalan, original Latin quotes have a different gravitas to them than their descendents.
Many consider Latin to be a “dead” language, and while nobody goes around speaking pure ancient Latin anymore, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still valuable!
In addition to helping language learners understand more about all the Latin-derived languages, the wisdom of the time of the ancient Romans has been carried on to the modern day because of Latin.
Poetry and Other Works
Many of the beautiful quotes we enjoy in Latin come from poets, playwrights, philosophers, and other writers from ancient Rome and other Latin-speaking areas.
We also have many old letters between friends and lovers, “paperwork” like orders from tradespeople, and even graffiti that can give inspiration.
The Language of Intelligence
Even in the time of ancient Latin, many people considered it to be the superior language for educated people. Many learned it in order to be able to read and write the advanced ideas in science, medicine, philosophy, and more that were primarily being developed in Latin.
Even hundreds and thousands of years later, scholars have often held the belief that Latin just sounds smarter. So, they made efforts to keep the language alive,
The belief has been absorbed by much of the world in general, which is why we have a lot of Latin words and short phrases in our everyday vocabulary in many parts of the world, especially in English and Latin-based languages.
Latin Quotes For Extra Motivation
Ready to learn some ancient wisdom, passed down through the ages?
Here are some fantastic Latin phrases to help you stoke your inner fire and stay motivated to accomplish anything you’ve got your heart set on!
- Veni, vidi, vici. - I came, I saw, I conquered.
Credited to Julius Caesar, he is said to have uttered this phrase circa 46 BCE after defeating Pharnaces II of Pontus at the Battle of Zela.
The war cry is pronounced as pronounced: Vehnee, Veedee, Veekee or Vehnee Veedee Veechee
- Acta, non verba. - Deeds, not words.
The modern-day equivalent can be attributed to Carl Jung, who said "You are what you do, not what you say you will do”.
This ancient Roman dictum has been attributed to Cato the Elder, who has become synonymous with frugality, courage, determination, and hard work. These virtues were seen as desirable in Roman society, so "acta, non verba" was a common idea among the people.
You may also see this written as "Facta, non verba," which has the same meaning since "acta" and "facta" are synonyms.
- Cogito, ergo sum. - I think, therefore I am.
This famous Rene Descartes quote was originally written in French in 1637, but later published in 1644 in a different work, called Principles of Philosophy.
The quote was originally published in French as "je pense, donc je suis", published in his book "Meditations on First Philosophy", it focuses on the relationship between existence and thought.
Memento vivere. - Remember to live.
Simply stated, remember that even though there are a lot of things in life that make it hard to be thankful for living in the moment, always take time to realize how amazing it is to be alive.
- Memento mori. - Remember that you will die.
The other side of the coin, this ancient form of "YOLO" carries a lot more weight to it. Many people create art and jewelry with the theme of "memento mori" as a reminder to live while they can.
Fun Fact: This quote was used in the Marvel series "The Punisher", as a reminder that one should never get blinded by glory and remember they are you are only human.
Both "Memento vivere" and. "Memento Mori" is used in contrast to each other as one emphasizes on remembering to live but the other focuses on death.
- Bono malum superate. - Overcome evil with good.
This shortened Bible quote reminds you to avoid sinking to low levels when faced with a rude person or bad situation. Stay positive and strive to be a good person even when things try to tear you down.
This quote comes partially from the Bible verse: Saint Paul's Epistle to the Romans, 12:21: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"
- Fac fortia et patere. - Do brave deeds and endure.
This fine idea is the motto of Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, Australia.
Keep your head up, persevere by doing your best, and carry on even when times are hard.
- Dum spiro spero. - While I breathe, I hope.
Variations of this phrase have been found written by Greek poet Theocritus (3rd Century BC) and Roman statesman Cicero (106 – 43 BCE). The modern phrase was being used in the 1780's and caught on well.
- Quam bene vivas refert, non quam diu. - It matters not how long you live, but how nobly.
Written by Stoic philosopher Seneca, this quote reminds us that it's what we do with our time that matters.
Did you know? Stoicism is a philosophy that emphasizes rationality and virtue as the path to true happiness and a good life.
- Ad meliora. - Toward better things.
Another popular phrase in ancient Rome, you can equate it with a modern-day "Onward and upward!" Keep your spirits up and surely you are working towards a brighter future.
- Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit. - Perhaps even these things will be good to remember one day.
This is a line from Virgil’s Aeneid, when the character Aeneas tries to keep his men's morale high in the face of hardship. It essentially means, "One day, we'll look back on this and laugh!" Remember that even in really hard and trying times, we may be able to look back on the experience fondly in the future after we learn the lessons being taught.
- Sedit qui timuit ne non succederet. - He who feared that he would not succeed sat still.
Quintus Horatius Flaccus aka Horace (65-8 BC) was one of the best-known Roman lyric poets of all time.
What he is saying here is that perfectionism paralyzes you. Fear of trying and failing keeps people from trying at all, which is a type of failure in itself. Don't allow your fear of failure to keep you from trying! Remember that we all must try in order to improve and therefore succeed.
Latin Quotes for Hard Work
Sometimes we just need more drive to keep going, and so we need quotes that are more aligned with The Rock’s philosophy: “It’s about drive. It’s about power…”
Ex nihilo nihil fit. - Nothing can be made from nothing (work is required to succeed).
First said in Greek by philosopher Parmenides and later extrapolated by Roman philosopher Lucretius, this quote literally refers to the fact that matter cannot be created.
But in a philosophical sense, we can think of it as meaning that you won't see results if you don't work to achieve them.
Audentes fortuna iuvat. - Fortune favors the bold.
Roman poet Virgil wrote this line also in Aeneid. If you want to receive good fortune, you first have to be bold and make moves.
Eheu fugaces labuntur anni. - Alas, the fleeting years slip by.
Another remark from Horace, this is a reminder that time will fly by if you aren't careful with it! Make the most of every day when you can to avoid life passing by!
Marcet sine adversario virtus. - Valor becomes feeble without an opponent (passion fades away without a challenge).
Stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger is said to have written this in an essay called De Providentia. He means that it is difficult to keep up the vigor that comes with fighting a challenge once the challenge is over.
Keep finding new challenges to overcome to keep your passion and momentum going. It's easier to move forward when you have a specific enemy to face!
But, remember you can also rest in between battles. Don't burn yourself out!
Audentes fortuna iuvat. - Fortune favors the bold.
Non ducor, duco. - I am not led, I lead.
This strong phrase is the motto for the city of São Paulo in Brazil.
When you need a boost in self-confidence, try telling yourself this phrase.
Ad astra per aspera. - Through adversity to the stars.
A rather recent Latin phrase coined in 1861 and is now the motto of Kansas (a state in the US) it was meant to inspire Kansas residents that they can overcome anything and attain the impossible.
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. - I will either find a way or make one.
Supposedly said by Hannibal, a Carthaginian war tactician who ended up winning a battle by trekking through the Alps on North African elephants, this quote is a great reminder to create your own opportunities.
Faber est suae quisque fortunate. - Every man is the artisan/maker/architect of his own fortune.
Appius Claudius Caecus (circa 312–279 BC) is said to have delivered this line in a speech declaring Rome would never surrender to Greece in a time of battle between the two nations.
In the modern day, we can interpret this phrase to mean that everyone has the ability to create their own success in life.
Aquila non capit muscas. - An eagle does not catch flies.
This became the motto of the city of Mandeure, which declared itself an independent nation after the French Revolution.
The saying means that an eagle doesn't waste time with small distractions. Stay focused on the things that are meaningful and actually concern you, and pay no attention to the distractions and meaningless annoyances.
Latin Quotes for Wisdom
When you need more philosophical inspiration, these wise Latin quotes can help you keep the big picture in mind.
Quod erat demonstrandum. - What was to be demonstrated (My point is proven).
An old way of summing up a logical argument, people like Isaac Newton would use abbreviations like "Q. E. D." to close his statements.
It basically means, "I have no more to say because I've already proven my point."
If you find yourself in an argument that goes around and around, or you are simply done with making your point, you can use this phrase to wrap it up.
Barba non facit philosophum. - A beard doesn’t make one a philosopher.
A quote from Aulus Gellius' (circa 125 – 180 CE) book Attic Nights, this quote means that wisdom does not necessarily come with age or appearances.
Cucullus non facit monachum. - The hood does not make the monk.
A similar phrase to the previous, the meaning is again saying that just because someone plays a part, it does not mean they actually have the knowledge or intent as their costume implies.
To be a monk, you must learn everything you need to know to be a monk. There are no shortcuts, and simply dressing up like one doesn't make you a learned person!
Natura nihil frustra facit. - Nature does nothing in vain.
Attributed to Aristotle, this phrase means, in short, "Everything happens for a reason."
Beati pauperes spiritu. - Blessed in spirit are the poor.
Another idea from the Bible, this phrase means that people who are poorer are often kind, hopeful, and joyous.
Astra inclinant, sed non obligant. - The stars incline us, they do not bind us.
Temet nosce. - Know thyself.
Perhaps originally stated by Plato, you're likely already familiar with this idea. When you understand yourself, everything else becomes clearer as well.
Vincit qui se vincit. - He conquers who conquers himself.
This is a shortened version of Publilius Syrus's maxim and is meant to say that you need to control your urge to be cruel, arrogant, or vindictive, especially in the face of victory. Don't be a boastful winner.
Astra inclinant, sed non obligant. - The stars incline us, they do not bind us.
It may not be known how the phrase originated, but this phrase inspires us to be the master of our own destiny. While we might be pushed and pulled by unseen forces like the heavens or fate, we still have free will.
Malum est consilium, quod mutari non potest! - Bad is the advice that cannot be changed!
Publilius Syrus, Roman moralist and aphorist, 90-40 B.C. is said to have created this phrase.
A strict plan or strict advice might sound like a good idea, but the reality is that we need to be flexible because we can't anticipate every single thing we will face in the future. No matter what, you need to be open to contingency plans!
Keep your favorite quotes and phrases nearby so you can remember them any time you need a little inspiration!
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