Latin phrases about life capture the essence of human experience in just a few words — lessons on courage, love, fate, and mortality that have endured for centuries. These short expressions, born from Roman philosophy, poetry, and faith, remind us to seize each day, face adversity with strength, and live with purpose. Below is a collection of concise list of Latin sayings about life that inspire reflection and resilience.
- Carpe diem — Seize the day.
- Vita brevis — Life is short.
- Memento mori — Remember that you will die.
- Amor fati — Love your fate.
- Tempus fugit — Time flies.
- Ad astra per aspera — To the stars through hardship.
- Per aspera ad astra — Through hardships to the stars.
Latin, the language of the Roman Empire and medieval scholars, gave rise to a treasury of aphorisms still found engraved on monuments, quoted in speeches, and whispered as personal mantras. They teach us to seize the moment, confront fate, embrace hardship, and pursue virtue — lessons that resonate as deeply now as they did thousands of years ago.
Latin Phrases From Philosophers
As with any philosophical circle, you’ll find that many thinkers come up with succinct phrases that convey a deep meaning.
We would do well to heed some of the advice people from thousands of years ago have to offer! You can see that some things haven’t changed much, since the advice still holds up well today.
Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt. - Mortal actions never deceive the gods.
Whether you're religious or not, you can still understand the intent behind this warning.
Even if someone deceives everyone else, the powers that be can still recognize the truth. You can think of this phrase as a way of affirming that everyone will get what's coming to them based on their actions and intentions.
Qui totum vult totum perdit. - He who wants everything loses everything.
If you are greedy, you'll only lose everything. It's a trope in many books and movies where a character is ultimately ruined by their desire for more, more, more.
It might not be as cinematic in real life when someone's greed gets them into trouble, but it can happen. So, it's best to check yourself for feelings of greed and jealousy and determine the underlying causes before they cause chaos.
De omnibus dubitandum. - Be suspicious of everything.
I don't think the ancients were suggesting that we all become paranoid all the time. However, it's good to have a healthy dose of skepticism.
Especially in this day and age where misinformation spreads like wildfire, it's important to remember to question everything and make sure you really are getting the facts.
Divitae bonum non sunt. - Material wealth is not the one good.
The philosopher Seneca advises here that one's raison d'être should not be material goods. And this is great advice! Just like how greed can ruin you, focusing too much on materialism as a sign of achievement can leave you with a shallow life.
While it's not a bad thing to seek material wealth, especially when it comes to keeping you and your family safe and comfortable, it shouldn't be the biggest thing you concern yourself with in life.
Another bit of sage advice from Seneca, it has always been the case and likely will be for the foreseeable future that people fear what they don't understand.
Recognize when you are being judgmental or hostile in your own life as a result of ignorance, and try to recognize when others are acting that way as well. Then, make the choice to have compassion and seek some more understanding.
Latin Quotes - Daily Wisdom
Some adages are worth remembering every day.
Daily wisdom is something we still hold in high regard today. Some common ones are “Treat others how you’d like to be treated,” “Always be prepared,” and “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
These Latin lessons can be used every day to live a better life.
Bis dat qui cito dat. - He gives twice who gives promptly.
Timeliness is a gift in and of itself! Follow through with your work and commitments in a reasonable (or expedited) amount of time to give the other person a nice surprise (and gain yourself some brownie points in the process).
Malum consilium quod mutari non potest. - Bad is the plan that cannot change.
It's important to make a good, solid plan. But, it's also important to not be rigid in your followthrough.
Life throws unexpected things at us, so we need to be prepared to change the plan if the original one doesn't make sense anymore. Trying to stick to the original plan when the situation has changed is not always the wisest choice.
Factum fieri infectum non potest. - It is impossible for a deed to be undone.
Factum fieri infectum non potest. - It is impossible for a deed to be undone.
Have you heard about the demonstration that had students squeeze a tube of toothpaste all out, and then try to put it back in?
The point of the experiment was to show that once you've said or done something, there is no taking it back.
Be mindful of what you are saying and doing, lest you irrevocably change something for the worse! Many people ruin relationships or even mortally wound themselves in a split second because they weren't paying attention to what they were doing.
Vita Brevis. - Life Is Short.
Not to constantly remind you of mortality, but it is important to always remember that we only have so much time in life to live. If you can embrace this truth, you may be able to live life more fully.
Pars magna bonitatis est velle fieri bonum. - Much of goodness consists in wanting to be good.
You can always count on Seneca to say something poignant!
Here, he is saying that the desire to be good allows you to naturally be good. Having good intentions, thoughts, and desires means that you will act in accordance. Even if you mess up every once in a while, coming from a place of goodness means that the outcome is more likely to end up okay anyway.
Feel-Good Latin Phrases
Sometimes all we need is a little pick-me-up!
Aqua vitae. - Water of life.
This phrase is typically used to describe an alcohol of choice, usually a strong one. But, you can also use it when you're talking about any refreshing beverage!
As a person who has a weakness for aesthetic and/or delicious drinks, it's nice to acknowledge the little everyday treat that is a hydrating drink!
De gustibus non est disputandum. - Of tastes, there is nothing to be disputed.
Another way to think about this sentiment is "to each, their own."
Everyone's individual tastes and preferences are so unique, that there is no use arguing about who should like what. Accept that everyone has different preferences and live your life!
Dulce est desipere in loco. - It is sweet on occasion to play the fool.
Everyone needs a break sometimes. This phrase evokes the image of someone relaxing in their favorite place, where they don't need to think too hard or deal with any of the stress from life and work.
In other words, "It's nice to be able to relax sometimes."
Latin is considered a “dead language” because it’s no longer spoken as a native tongue — yet it remains very much alive in modern life. It forms the root of all Romance languages (like Spanish, French, and Italian) and contributes over 60% of English vocabulary, especially in law, science, medicine, and theology.
Acceptissima semper munera sunt, auctor quae pretiosa facit. - Those gifts are always the most acceptable which our love for the donor makes precious.
When you adore someone, anything they give you is automatically a better gift. A rock from your child is a precious token, while a rock from your work enemy is surely some kind of insult.
As they say, "it's the thought that counts"! When the person gifting you is always thinking about your happiness, anything they give to you is a great present!
Animus risu novatur. - The spirit is refreshed with laughter.
Cicero, another famous Latin philosopher, gives us this little gem of a life-lesson.
If you're feeling run down, stressed, sad, depressed, or otherwise down in the dumps, spend some time with friends or a comedic movie to boost your spirits! Laughter is the best medicine!
Famous Latin Movie Quotes
There aren’t as many well-known movie quotes that appeared in Latin originally as you might expect. But, some of the quotes that are from well-known movies have become iconic, especially in circles of people who love languages!
Here are some of the best movies quotes in Latin.
Vi veri veniversum vivus vici. - By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe. (V for Vendetta)
“Vi veri veniversum vivus vici.” - By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe. (V for Vendetta)
V for Vendetta is one of the most popular indie or cult-films. (The Wachowski twins have a knack for making such media.) The titular character V is known for his speeches in which he says as many words containing the letter "V" as possible, as a nod to his traumatic past.
Interestingly, this phrase is abbreviated as "V.V.V.V.V." which, as you'll notice, is 5 V's, and V is the Roman numeral for 5!
The entire movie is famous for its strong anarchist message as well as the acting and effects. Little details like this quote and the meaning that comes with it are why it was and still is such a huge success.
“Romanes eunt domus.” - Romans go home. (Monty Python’s Life of Brian)
If you've seen the movie, you'll know that Brian gets caught attempting to graffiti "Romanes eunt domus" on a wall as an act of rebellion. He is caught by a Roman guard who gives him a thorough and threatening lesson in proper Latin, since what he wrote was effectively: "People called Romais they go the house."
If you're not familiar with Monty Python, they were a British comedy troupe in the 1960s - 80s. So, this scene is comedic, and becomes even more so when the Roman soldier commands Brian to write the correct phrase "Romani ite domum" on the wall 100 times before sunrise. Brian does so and escapes punishment from that one particular Roman soldier, but promptly finds himself in trouble with different soldiers who find his graffiti provoking.
“Ego nunquam pronunciari mendacium! Sed ego sum homo indomitus.” - I never lie. But I am a savage. (Braveheart)
The reason this Latin phrase is so famous in the film is because the man who said it is proving to his opponents that he is more educated than they presume.
In a classic case of judging someone by prejudice combined with self-righteousness, a royal advisor tells the princess, in Latin (thinking that Scots are uneducated) that the Scottish man is a savage and a liar. William Wallace (the Scot) quickly puts the advisor in his place by uttering this sentence in perfect Latin.
He then throws in "Ou en français, si vous préférez?" (Or in French, if you prefer) to really rub it in the advisor's face.
Using Latin quotes to help guide your life today can be fun and useful! Try keeping your favorite ones written somewhere you can refer back to them often and memorize the saying.
Latin is far from being a dead language and is still very much alive in our everyday conversations. Many Latin phrases such as carpe diem, et cetera, cum laude, curriculum vitae, and mea culpa are still commonly used today. It's uncertain whether Latin has experienced a resurgence or if it has always been considered cool for centuries.
So, what is your favorite Latin phrase?
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