Famous Latin Mottos with English Translations

Tempus fugit

Time flees

It serves as a reminder that time passes quickly and irrecoverably, urging one not to waste the present moment.

Source: Virgil, Georgics 3.284 (c. 29 BCE) · Used today: Often found inscribed on sundials and clocks, it is used today to warn against procrastination or to reflect on the swift passage of time.

Si vis pacem, para bellum

If you want peace, prepare for war

Peace is most effectively maintained when a nation is strong and prepared to defend itself against potential aggressors.

Source: Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris (c. 390 CE) · Used today: Frequently cited in political and military contexts to justify defense spending and the maintenance of a strong military deterrent.

Per aspera ad astra

Through hardships to the stars

Great success and reaching one's highest goals are achieved only by persevering through difficult struggles.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: Commonly used as a motivational motto by organizations, educational institutions, and as a state motto to symbolize resilience and ambition.

Mens sana in corpore sano

A healthy mind in a healthy body

True well-being requires a balance of physical health and mental/intellectual development, rather than focusing on one at the expense of the other.

Source: Juvenal, Satires 10.356 (c. 125 CE) · Used today: Widely invoked in educational and athletic settings to emphasize the importance of holistic health and physical exercise.

Pacta sunt servanda

Agreements must be kept

Contracts and treaties are binding upon the parties that entered into them, and they must be performed in good faith.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: This is a fundamental principle of international law and contract law, essential for maintaining trust and reliability in legal and diplomatic relations.

In vino veritas

In wine there is truth

People are more likely to speak honestly and reveal their true thoughts when their inhibitions are lowered by alcohol.

Source: Pliny the Elder, Naturalis historia (c. 77 CE) · Used today: Often used in social contexts to comment on the candid, sometimes regrettable, confessions people make when drinking.

Festina lente

Make haste slowly

It is better to proceed with caution and deliberation to ensure quality rather than rushing and making rash, error-prone decisions.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: Used as a guiding philosophy in business and leadership to balance the need for speed with the necessity of careful planning.

Ab ovo usque ad mala

From the egg to the apples

It refers to something completed from beginning to end, alluding to the Roman custom of starting a meal with eggs and finishing with fruit.

Source: Horace, Satires 1.3.6 (c. 35 BCE) · Used today: Occasionally used in literary or scholarly contexts to describe a narrative or process that covers the entire chronological scope from start to finish.

Alea iacta est

The die is cast

A decision has been made and a point of no return has been reached; the outcome is now in the hands of fate.

Source: Suetonius, De vita Caesarum (c. 121 CE) · Used today: Used to describe irreversible situations where one has committed to a risky course of action and must accept the consequences.

Memento mori

Remember that you must die

It serves as a reflection on mortality, encouraging one to live with humility and focus on what truly matters in life.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: Frequently encountered in art and literature as a symbolic reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

Dum spiro spero

While I breathe, I hope

As long as there is life, there is hope, emphasizing the endurance of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity.

Source: Cicero, Epistulae ad Atticum (c. 50 BCE) · Used today: Commonly used as a motto for families, organizations, and states to express undying hope and persistence.

Amor vincit omnia

Love conquers all

Love is the most powerful force, capable of overcoming all obstacles and difficulties that one might face.

Source: Virgil, Eclogues 10.69 (c. 38 BCE) · Used today: A popular, enduring sentiment used in romantic contexts, art, and literature to affirm the strength of affection.

Fortuna caeca est

Fortune is blind

Good and bad luck are distributed randomly and without regard to merit or justice.

Source: Cicero, De amicitia (c. 44 BCE) · Used today: Used to reflect on the unpredictable and often unfair nature of success, wealth, and life's circumstances.

Homo homini lupus

Man is a wolf to man

Humans are capable of being predatory, aggressive, and cruel toward one another, especially in the absence of societal order.

Source: Plautus, Asinaria (c. 195 BCE) · Used today: Cited in philosophical and political discussions regarding human nature and the inherent dangers of unchecked competition or conflict.

Carpe diem

Seize the day

One should enjoy the present moment and make the most of today, rather than relying on or worrying about the future.

Source: Horace, Odes 1.11 (c. 23 BCE) · Used today: A ubiquitous phrase in modern culture used to encourage spontaneity, mindfulness, and the active pursuit of happiness in the present.

Veni, vidi, vici

I came, I saw, I conquered

The phrase describes a swift, decisive, and overwhelming victory achieved with minimal effort or delay.

Source: Julius Caesar (attributed by Plutarch and Suetonius, 47 BCE) · Used today: It is frequently used in business, sports, and politics to characterize a rapid and successful accomplishment of a challenging goal.

O tempora, o mores!

Oh the times, oh the customs!

It is an expression of deep frustration and disgust regarding the perceived moral decay and corruption of contemporary society.

Source: Cicero, In Catilinam I (63 BCE) · Used today: It is often used in political commentary or social criticism to lament modern standards and compare them unfavorably to the past.

Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes

I fear the Greeks, even those bearing gifts

It serves as a warning to be suspicious of enemies or rivals even when they appear to be offering something beneficial.

Source: Virgil, Aeneid II (c. 29–19 BCE) · Used today: This phrase is commonly cited as 'beware of Greeks bearing gifts' to caution against hidden agendas behind seemingly generous actions.

Audentes fortuna iuvat

Fortune favors the bold

It suggests that success and good luck are more likely to come to those who act with courage and take risks.

Source: Virgil, Aeneid X (c. 29–19 BCE) · Used today: It is frequently used as a motivational slogan in military and entrepreneurial contexts to encourage bold decision-making and initiative.

Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori

It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country

It asserts that death in service to one's nation is a glorious and honorable act, though often invoked ironically in modern contexts.

Source: Horace, Odes 3.2 (c. 23 BCE) · Used today: While originally patriotic, it is now most famous as the ironic title of a Wilfred Owen poem criticizing the glorification of war.

Divide et impera

Divide and rule

It describes a political strategy of maintaining power by creating or exploiting divisions among opponents to prevent them from uniting.

Source: Commonly attributed to Julius Caesar (historical context, 1st century BCE) · Used today: The phrase is used to describe divisive tactics in geopolitics, corporate management, and social maneuvering to weaken a larger opposition.

Faber est suae quisque fortunae

Every man is the architect of his own fortune

It signifies that individuals have the power to shape their own lives and destinies through their own actions and choices.

Source: Appius Claudius Caecus (attributed by Sallust, 1st century BCE) · Used today: This phrase is often invoked in self-help literature and personal development to emphasize individual agency and responsibility for success.

Ars longa, vita brevis

Art is long, life is short

It reflects the idea that human life is fleeting, while the accomplishments and knowledge created through art or study endure forever.

Source: Seneca, De Brevitate Vitae (c. 49 CE) · Used today: It is commonly used to justify the pursuit of intellectual or creative endeavors despite the limited time available to any individual.

Non ducor, duco

I am not led, I lead

It conveys a sense of independence and leadership, asserting that the speaker dictates their own path rather than following others.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: It serves as the official motto of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and is used to project strong, independent leadership.

Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia

Where you are Gaius, I am Gaia

It was a traditional marriage vow reflecting the equality and partnership intended between the husband and wife in Roman society.

Source: Anonymous (traditional Roman wedding formula) · Used today: It is occasionally referenced in modern discussions of historical marriage customs to highlight traditional Roman views on domestic partnership.

Hannibal ad portas

Hannibal is at the gates

It is an urgent warning that a great danger or enemy is imminent and immediate action is required to survive.

Source: Cicero, Philippics (1st century BCE) · Used today: It is used today to express alarm regarding an approaching threat or crisis that requires an urgent and collective response.

Exegi monumentum aere perennius

I have built a monument more lasting than bronze

It expresses the poet's pride in creating a work of art that will outlive physical structures and ensure their legacy.

Source: Horace, Odes 3.30 (23 BCE) · Used today: It is often quoted by authors or creators to reflect on the enduring nature of intellectual contributions compared to material wealth.

Varium et mutabile semper femina

Woman is always a fickle and changeable thing

It reflects a classical, often gendered, observation about the unpredictable and shifting nature of human emotions and character.

Source: Virgil, Aeneid IV (c. 29–19 BCE) · Used today: While historically significant, it is now often cited in literary studies to discuss ancient attitudes towards gender and temperament.

Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi, sed saepe cadendo

A drop hollows out a stone, not by force, but by falling often

It teaches that persistence and consistency are more effective than brute force in achieving long-term change or results.

Source: Ovid, Epistulae ex Ponto (c. 13 CE) · Used today: It is commonly used as advice for success, emphasizing that steady, incremental effort will eventually overcome even the hardest obstacles.

Salus populi suprema lex esto

Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law

This legal principle asserts that the safety and well-being of the public must always take precedence over strict adherence to procedural or ordinary laws.

Source: Cicero, De Legibus III (c. 52 BCE) · Used today: It serves as the official state motto of Missouri and is incorporated into the state's Great Seal, symbolizing the government's duty to its citizens.

Labor omnia vincit

Work conquers all

The phrase conveys that persistent, hard, and steady effort is the ultimate key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in any endeavor.

Source: Virgil, Georgics I (c. 29 BCE) · Used today: It is the official state motto of Oklahoma and is frequently used by labor unions and educational institutions to emphasize the value of diligence.

Civis Romanus sum

I am a Roman citizen

This declaration was a powerful legal claim that invoked the protection and rights guaranteed to a citizen by the authority of the Roman state.

Source: Cicero, In Verrem V (70 BCE) · Used today: It is frequently quoted in historical and political contexts to represent the concept of citizenship and the duty of a state to protect its people.

et cetera

and the rest

Used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar, unspecified items that have been omitted.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: It is frequently encountered in formal and informal writing to signify the continuation of a series without needing to list every single component.

id est

that is

Used to introduce a clarification or a more precise definition of what has just been mentioned in the text.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: Writers use this abbreviation in academic and professional documents to rephrase a previous point for greater clarity or specificity.

exempli gratia

for the sake of example

Used to introduce one or more representative examples that illustrate a general statement or category previously mentioned.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: This abbreviation is standard in English writing to provide concrete illustrations after making a broad or abstract claim.

vice versa

with position turned

Indicates that the reverse order or the reciprocal of the stated situation is also true.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: It is commonly used in conversation and writing to concisely show that two things are interchangeable or that a relationship works in both directions.

ad hoc

to this

Refers to something created or organized for a specific, immediate purpose rather than for general, long-term use.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: You will often see this term in professional settings when describing committees, groups, or solutions established to handle a unique, one-time issue.

bona fide

in good faith

Describes something that is genuine, sincere, or performed without any intent to deceive or defraud.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: This phrase is standard in legal and business contexts to verify that an agreement, transaction, or credential is authentic and honest.

alma mater

nourishing mother

An affectionate term used to refer to the school, college, or university from which one has graduated.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: It is frequently used by alumni to express loyalty and reverence toward their former educational institution.

persona non grata

person not welcome

An individual who is officially deemed unacceptable or unwelcome, particularly in a diplomatic or social context.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: While originally a diplomatic term for an unwelcome foreign representative, it is now used generally to describe anyone who has been ostracized from a group.

Sine qua non

Without which, not

It refers to an essential condition, action, or ingredient without which a specific outcome, process, or existence is impossible.

Source: Boethius, In Topica Ciceronis (c. 520 CE) · Used today: The term is used across professional fields to describe a fundamental requirement that is absolutely necessary for the success or completion of any project or argument.

Reductio ad absurdum

Reduction to the absurd

This is a mode of argumentation that refutes a proposition by showing that its logical consequences would lead to an absurd or contradictory result.

Source: Anonymous (Aristotelian logic tradition) · Used today: It is a standard technique in mathematics, logic, and philosophical debate used to demonstrate the falsity of a claim by extending its logic to an impossible extreme.

Fides quaerens intellectum

Faith seeking understanding

This phrase encapsulates the scholastic method of using reason and logic to explore, clarify, and deepen the truths already accepted through religious faith.

Source: Anselm of Canterbury, Proslogion (c. 1077–1078) · Used today: It is frequently cited in academic theology and philosophy courses to describe the harmonious relationship between faith and critical rational inquiry.

Ora et labora

Pray and work

This motto highlights the monastic ideal of balancing contemplative prayer with manual labor as two essential, intertwined components of a holy life.

Source: Anonymous (Benedictine tradition) · Used today: It is commonly used today by religious communities and schools as an inspirational call to integrate spiritual devotion into daily productivity.

Gratia non tollit naturam, sed perficit

Grace does not destroy nature, but perfects it

This principle asserts that divine grace does not negate or replace human nature, but rather heals, elevates, and fulfills its inherent potential.

Source: Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica (c. 1265–1274) · Used today: Theologians and ethicists often invoke this to explain how spiritual growth builds upon, rather than ignores, human reason and psychological health.

Sic et non

Yes and no

The title refers to a dialectical method of listing contradictory authoritative statements to encourage students to resolve discrepancies through rigorous logic.

Source: Peter Abelard, Sic et Non (c. 1120) · Used today: It is referenced in intellectual history to denote the emergence of the scholastic method of debate and the critical analysis of texts.

Credo ut intelligam

I believe so that I may understand

This maxim posits that sincere faith is the necessary starting point for the intellect to truly grasp and comprehend divine truths.

Source: Anselm of Canterbury, Proslogion (c. 1077–1078) · Used today: It is widely cited in philosophical discussions regarding the limits of pure reason and the role of foundational commitments in knowledge.

Nihil est in intellectu quod prius non fuerit in sensu

Nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the senses

This epistemological principle argues that all human knowledge and intellectual concepts originate from sensory experience rather than innate ideas.

Source: Anonymous (Scholastic tradition, attributed to the Aristotelian influence on Aquinas) · Used today: It is a standard reference in psychology and philosophy of mind when discussing the empiricist view of how human consciousness develops.

Laborare est orare

To work is to pray

Often conflated with the Benedictine motto, this saying emphasizes that diligent, purposeful work, when performed with a right heart, constitutes a form of worship.

Source: Anonymous (later evolution of monastic tradition) · Used today: It is frequently used in modern secular and religious contexts to encourage mindfulness, dedication, and a sense of purpose in one's profession.

Ex nihilo nihil fit

Nothing comes from nothing

While originating in classical philosophy, scholastic thinkers used this to argue that every effect must have a cause, excluding the act of divine creation.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial, rooted in Eleatic philosophy) · Used today: It is commonly used to express the necessity of effort, resources, or a foundation for any achievement or outcome in life.

Nemo dat quod non habet

No one gives what he does not have

In scholastic theology, this principle implies that a cause cannot bestow a perfection upon an effect that the cause does not itself possess.

Source: Anonymous (derived from Roman law) · Used today: It is still used in legal and philosophical contexts to argue that one cannot transfer rights or qualities that one does not legitimately hold.

In hoc signo vinces

In this sign, you will conquer

The phrase signifies the triumph of faith, traditionally referring to the vision of the Cross that led Constantine to victory in battle.

Source: Anonymous (attributed to Constantine the Great, 4th century) · Used today: It is widely recognized as a historical and religious emblem, often appearing on heraldry, monuments, and ecclesiastical buildings throughout the West.

Dona nobis pacem

Grant us peace

This is a prayerful request for divine peace, both in the sense of inner tranquility and outward harmony, often associated with the sacrifice of the Mass.

Source: Roman Missal (derived from Agnus Dei, 7th century CE) · Used today: It is the final line of the Agnus Dei in the Mass and has become a popular, standalone musical round used in both religious and secular peace movements.

pro bono

for the public good

Refers to professional work, especially legal services, provided voluntarily and without payment for the benefit of the community.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: The term is widely used in the legal profession to describe services provided to individuals or organizations that cannot afford standard fees.

Ipso facto

By the fact itself

The phrase describes a consequence that follows inevitably and immediately from a specific fact or action without requiring any further intervention or proof.

Source: Anonymous (legal/scholastic) · Used today: It is frequently used in legal and academic writing to indicate that a result is an automatic and direct implication of a preceding event or condition.

A priori

From what comes before

This refers to knowledge or reasoning that proceeds from theoretical deduction rather than from empirical observation or sensory experience of the world.

Source: Albert of Saxony, Quaestiones in Aristotelis Libros Physicorum (14th century) · Used today: In philosophy and scientific debate, it is used to describe an argument or assumption made based on general principles before examining the specific evidence.

Mutatis mutandis

With the necessary changes having been made

This phrase is used when applying a statement, rule, or comparison to a new situation, signaling that the core logic remains the same despite necessary adjustments.

Source: Anonymous (legal/scholastic) · Used today: It is widely utilized in legal documents and academic writing to confirm that a previously stated principle applies to a new case after appropriate minor modifications.

Per se

By itself

The phrase indicates that something is considered intrinsically or in its own right, independent of any external context or other factors.

Source: Anonymous (scholastic) · Used today: It is commonly used in legal, scientific, and general discourse to distinguish a quality inherent to a subject from qualities that are merely coincidental or extrinsic.

Ad hominem

To the man

This refers to an argumentative strategy that attacks the character or personal attributes of an opponent rather than addressing the substance of their argument.

Source: Anonymous (scholastic logic) · Used today: It is used in debate, rhetoric, and political discourse to identify a logical fallacy where the speaker attempts to discredit an opponent's position by insulting them.

Ceteris paribus

Other things being equal

The phrase serves as a simplifying assumption in scientific and economic models, isolating a relationship by holding all other variables constant.

Source: Petrus Olivi, Quaestiones in secundum librum Sententiarum (c. 1295) · Used today: It is a staple in economics and the sciences for describing theoretical relationships that are expected to hold true provided no external factors intervene.

Prima facie

At first sight

This indicates that a case, evidence, or assertion is sufficient to establish a fact or presumption unless it is successfully rebutted by further evidence.

Source: Anonymous (legal/scholastic) · Used today: It is a standard legal term used to describe evidence that is strong enough to support a claim until contrary proof is presented in court.

Ex post facto

From a thing done afterward

This describes something, particularly a law or legal action, that has a retroactive effect on events that occurred before its enactment.

Source: Anonymous (legal) · Used today: It is a critical term in constitutional and criminal law, where it is used to prohibit the retroactive punishment of actions that were legal when performed.

O felix culpa

O happy fault

The phrase refers to the paradoxical idea that the Fall of Adam and Eve was fortunate because it ultimately led to the redemption of humanity through Christ.

Source: Anonymous, Exsultet (c. 4th–7th century) · Used today: It is chanted during the Catholic Easter Vigil service, specifically within the Exsultet, to reflect on the mystery of salvation history.

Ave Maria, gratia plena

Hail Mary, full of grace

This is a salutation to the Virgin Mary, acknowledging her unique state of being filled with divine grace as described in the biblical account of the Annunciation.

Source: Vulgate, Luke 1:28 (c. 382–405 CE) · Used today: It is the opening line of the Hail Mary prayer, widely recited by Catholics globally in both personal devotion and the communal recitation of the Rosary.

Fiat voluntas tua

Thy will be done

This phrase expresses a profound submission to the divine will, acknowledging that God's desires for the world and the individual are sovereign and should be realized above human preference.

Source: Vulgate, Matthew 6:10 (c. 382–405 CE) · Used today: It is a central petition in the Lord's Prayer (Pater Noster), recited daily by Christians across virtually all denominations in both liturgical and private prayer settings.

Pax vobiscum

Peace be with you

This is a formal blessing or greeting intended to bestow a sense of divine tranquility and spiritual well-being upon the recipient or the gathered community.

Source: Vulgate, John 20:21 (c. 382–405 CE) · Used today: It is a traditional liturgical greeting used by clergy, particularly bishops in the Roman Rite, to welcome the congregation at the beginning of the Mass.

Agnus Dei

Lamb of God

This title identifies Jesus Christ as the sacrificial victim whose death takes away the sins of the world, echoing the imagery of the Passover lamb.

Source: John 1:29 (Vulgate); introduced to Roman Mass by Pope Sergius I (687–701 CE) · Used today: It is an invocation chanted or recited during the fraction rite (breaking of the bread) in the Communion service of Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican liturgies.

In nomine Patris

In the name of the Father

This phrase invokes the authority and presence of the first person of the Holy Trinity, often used to begin prayers or sacramental actions in the Christian tradition.

Source: Matthew 28:19 (Vulgate); standard liturgical formula · Used today: It forms the first part of the Sign of the Cross, performed by Catholics and other Christians as a profession of faith before and after prayer.

Deo gratias

Thanks be to God

This is a simple expression of gratitude acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all goodness, victory, and grace received by the faithful.

Source: Vulgate, 1 Corinthians 15:57 (c. 382–405 CE) · Used today: It is the standard congregational response to the reading of Scripture (Verbum Domini) during the Liturgy of the Word in the Roman Catholic Mass.

Dominus vobiscum

The Lord be with you

This salutation is a wish for divine presence and companionship, serving as a formal, ritualized way for the clergy to address and bless the congregation.

Source: Vulgate, Ruth 2:4 (c. 382–405 CE) · Used today: It is one of the most common liturgical greetings in the Mass, eliciting the standard congregational response, 'Et cum spiritu tuo' (And with your spirit).

Sursum corda

Lift up your hearts

This is an invitation for the faithful to turn their minds and hearts away from earthly concerns and toward God in preparation for the Eucharistic prayer.

Source: Apostolic Tradition (c. 215 CE) · Used today: It serves as the opening dialogue of the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer in Christian liturgies, inviting the congregation to participate in the act of thanksgiving.

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Glory to God in the highest

This is an ancient hymn of praise acknowledging God's majesty and the peace brought to humanity through the birth of Christ.

Source: Vulgate, Luke 2:14 (c. 382–405 CE) · Used today: It is the opening line of the 'Gloria' hymn, a major part of the Mass Ordinary sung on Sundays and feast days, excluding Lent and Advent.

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus

Holy, Holy, Holy

This threefold repetition emphasizes the absolute, transcendent holiness and purity of God, as witnessed in the heavenly vision described in Scripture.

Source: Vulgate, Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8 (c. 382–405 CE) · Used today: It is the opening acclamation of the Sanctus, a hymn of praise in the Mass that precedes the Eucharistic Prayer, common to almost all Christian traditions.

Et cum spiritu tuo

And with your spirit

This response acknowledges the priest's sacramental role and prays that the grace of the Holy Spirit may remain with him as he leads the liturgy.

Source: 2 Timothy 4:22 (Vulgate); standard liturgical formula · Used today: It is the standard congregational response to the greeting 'Dominus vobiscum' in the Roman Catholic Mass and other liturgical traditions.

Et tu, Brute?

Even you, Brutus?

It is an expression of profound shock and betrayal, directed at a trusted friend who has turned against the speaker.

Source: William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (1599; based on historical rumor) · Used today: It is iconic in literature and pop culture, used whenever someone experiences an unexpected betrayal by a close ally or friend.

E pluribus unum

Out of many, one

This phrase signifies the formation of a single, unified nation from the diverse individual states that comprised the original thirteen colonies.

Source: Gentleman's Magazine (1731); adopted for the Great Seal of the United States (1782) · Used today: It is prominently featured on the Great Seal of the United States and is inscribed on most U.S. coins and the one-dollar bill.

Annuit cœptis

He favors our undertakings

The phrase expresses the belief that divine providence has looked favorably upon and blessed the founding and development of the United States.

Source: Adapted from Virgil, Aeneid (19 BCE); adopted for the Great Seal of the United States (1782) · Used today: It appears on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States, positioned above the Eye of Providence and the unfinished pyramid.

Veritas

Truth

The motto represents the institution's fundamental commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, intellectual integrity, and the discovery of truth through academic inquiry.

Source: Harvard University seal (adopted 1643, reaffirmed 1843) · Used today: It is famously inscribed on the shield of Harvard University and appears on official university documents, buildings, and merchandise.

Ad astra per aspera

To the stars through difficulties

The motto expresses the idea that greatness, success, or high ideals are only reachable by overcoming significant hardships and challenges along the way.

Source: State of Kansas (adopted 1861) · Used today: It is the official state motto of Kansas, appearing on the state seal and reflecting the resilience and determination of its people.

Regnat populus

The people rule

The phrase declares that political power and the legitimacy of government are derived directly from the consent and authority of the citizenry.

Source: State of Arkansas (adopted 1907, modifying 1864 original) · Used today: It is the official state motto of Arkansas, displayed on the state seal to affirm the principles of democracy and self-governance.

Crescit eundo

It grows as it goes

The phrase describes something that gains strength, momentum, or size continuously as it progresses, originally referring to the power of a thunderbolt.

Source: Lucretius, De Rerum Natura VI (c. 50 BCE); New Mexico state motto (adopted 1887) · Used today: It is the official state motto of New Mexico, appearing on the state seal to symbolize the growth and development of the state.

Lux et veritas

Light and truth

The motto expresses the institution's dual mission to pursue divine or intellectual illumination alongside the honest discovery of truth.

Source: Yale University motto (adopted 1813) · Used today: It is the official motto of Yale University and appears on the university's seal and various campus materials.

Novus ordo seclorum

A new order of the ages

The phrase refers to the beginning of a new era or epoch, signifying the birth of a new political and social order for the nation.

Source: Virgil, Eclogue IV (c. 40 BCE); adopted for the Great Seal of the United States (1782) · Used today: It is inscribed on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States, appearing below the unfinished pyramid.

Sapientia et doctrina sanitas

Wisdom and knowledge are health

This motto suggests that the combination of academic learning and wisdom is essential for the well-being and flourishing of the individual and society.

Source: Fordham University motto · Used today: It is the official motto of Fordham University, found on its seal and representing the institution's educational philosophy.

Dirigo

I direct

The word signifies leadership, guidance, and the role of the state in setting a path or standard for its citizens.

Source: State of Maine (adopted 1820) · Used today: It is the official state motto of Maine, appearing on the state seal and flag to represent the state's leadership and direction.

Montani semper liberi

Mountaineers are always free

The motto asserts the independent, self-reliant, and liberty-loving nature of people who live in mountainous regions.

Source: State of West Virginia (adopted 1863) · Used today: It is the official state motto of West Virginia and is prominently displayed on the state's seal and coat of arms.

Habemus papam

We have a pope

This is the formal announcement confirming that the College of Cardinals has successfully elected a new successor to Saint Peter following a conclave.

Source: Tradition dating to the election of Pope Martin V (1417 CE) · Used today: It is proclaimed by the Cardinal Protodeacon from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to the crowd in St. Peter's Square upon the election of a new pope.

curriculum vitae

course of life

A detailed document outlining a person's professional history, educational background, and major achievements.

Source: Anonymous (proverbial) · Used today: It is the standard term used in academia and many international professional fields to refer to a comprehensive summary of one's career.

Cogito, ergo sum

I think, therefore I am

This philosophical proposition establishes the certainty of one's own existence as the foundational truth that persists even in the presence of radical doubt.

Source: René Descartes, Discours de la méthode (1637) · Used today: It is frequently cited in philosophy and psychology to discuss the nature of self-awareness, consciousness, and the limits of epistemological certainty.

Tabula rasa

Scraped tablet

The concept suggests that the human mind is born as a blank slate, devoid of innate knowledge, and that all identity and understanding are formed through experience.

Source: John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1689) · Used today: It is commonly used in psychology, sociology, and educational theory to debate the influence of nature versus nurture in human development.

Status quo

The state in which

The phrase refers to the existing state of affairs or the current condition of a social, political, or legal situation at a given time.

Source: Anonymous (diplomatic/legal) · Used today: It is used in political and social commentary to describe the current order of things, often in the context of maintaining or challenging that order.

Modus operandi

Mode of operating

The phrase identifies a particular way or method of doing something, often specifically referring to the characteristic pattern of behavior of a person or group.

Source: Anonymous (criminological/general) · Used today: It is used in law enforcement, business, and general analysis to describe the typical, habitual, or systematic approach someone takes to complete a task or crime.

In situ

In its original place

This describes an object or phenomenon that is being examined or remains in its original position, rather than being moved or isolated for study.

Source: Anonymous (scientific/archaeological) · Used today: It is widely used in archaeology, medicine, and engineering to refer to observations or experiments conducted on subjects in their natural or original environment.