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These Latin Phrases Are Filled With Such Great Wisdom

Latin may not have been spoken or written for hundreds of years, but it is undoubtedly a beautiful language. The impact of Latin has been immense and its traces can still be found in many languages. In fact, even today we end up saying several Latin phrases and words without even realizing it.

Today, we will look at some of the wisest Latin phrases that are filled with deep and profound meanings about life. You might be aware of some common Latin phrases like “Carpe diem” or “Quid pro quo”. However, this beautiful language consists of several other expressions that are filled with great wisdom. A majority of these phrases were invented by ancient Roman scholars and writers and continue to enlighten us even today. Let’s learn about a few of them. 

See Also: Learn the History Behind These Commonly Used Phrases

1. "Astra inclinant, sed non obligant."

llatin phrase, life, meaning
You would often come across certain people who are a little too obsessed with their own horoscope or learning about their future. However, like this phrase says, “The stars incline us, they do not bind us." In other words, even if there’s something written about our life in the stars, we still have free will. 

2. "Timendi causa est nescire."

Latin Phrases, ignorance is the cause of fear
This meaningful phrase was said by noted Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca. In our journey of life, a lot of us give up the chase due to the fear of the unknown. Being afraid of the unknown is natural. But always remember that "ignorance is the cause of fear."

3. "Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit."

Latin Phrases,  difficult phases
All of us go through difficult phases. When we are struggling with life, nothing appears positive. However, with time, our opinion of that difficult phase changes and we end up learning a thing or two from them. So the next time you find yourself in troubled waters, this quote from Virgil might come in handy: “Perhaps even these things will be good to remember one day.”

4. "Omnes una manet nox."

Latin Phrases, Horace's Odes
This Latin phrase comes from Horace's Odes and translates into, "One night is awaiting us all”. ”One night” here means the night of our deaths and the phrase tries to remind us that at the end of the day, we’re all mere mortals.

5. "Destitutus ventis, remos adhibe."

Latin Phrases, Plan B
This famous Latin proverb is quite profound and means "If the winds fail you, use the oars”. It implies that even if your first plan at something fails, you can always chalk out a Plan B without giving up easily. If a task is tough that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve it.

6. "Condemnant quo non intellegunt."

Latin Phrases, criticizing , truth,
This phrase means "They condemn that which they do not understand.” Or, to elaborate, many a time you will find someone criticizing something important or consequential without even knowing the truth. In other words, they condemn because they do not understand.

7. “Vincit qui se vincit”

Latin Phrases,  conquers
This phrase means, "He conquers who conquers himself." Its deeper meaning is that you are your own biggest critic and if you can conquer your own failings, you can overcome all the challenges that come your way.

8. "In absentia lucis, Tenebrae vincunt."

Latin Phrases, darkness and light
From time to time, all of us need to find inner strength to fight some dark battles. In those times, you can remind yourself of this expression, which means "In the absence of light, darkness prevails." It implies that as long as there is one light or "good" representation, darkness or "evil" cannot win.

9. "Ut ameris, amabilis esto."

Latin Phrases, Respect and admiration
No matter how much we deny it, all of us want to be loved and admired by the ones around us. However, don’t forget what this quote from Ovid says: “If you want to be loved, be lovable." You can’t expect someone to love or respect you if you don’t inculcate some good qualities in yourself. Respect and admiration are earned, after all. 

10. "Audentes fortuna iuvat."

Latin Phrases, "Fortune favors the bold
You might have heard or read different versions of this phrase, but its significance can never get old. "Fortune favors the bold”, it means. Indeed, if we are honest and brave enough in life, fortune will eventually follow us. 

11. "Malum consilium quod mutari non potest."

Latin Phrases, one plan of action
Circumstances in our life keep changing. Hence, it is impossible to be rigid about one plan of action. This quote from Syrus, which means "Bad is the plan that cannot change”, holds incredibly true. If we cannot alter our plans according to the situation, then it is bound to cost us dearly. 

12. “Faber est suae quisque fortunae”

Latin Phrases, create your own future
This is one’s a powerful Latin phrase that is perfect for helping us pick ourselves when we feel that fate isn’t being kind to us. It means, "Every man is the artisan of his own fortune." So, don’t fret. You have the power to create your own future. 

13. “Quod cito acquiritur cito perit”

Latin Phrases, What is quickly gained is quickly lost.
This phrase means, "What is quickly gained is quickly lost." In other words, nothing in our life comes easy and we should hence take nothing for granted. If you have suddenly found great success at something, learn to treasure and savor it without boasting about it. Because what you’ve achieved through a lot of hard work can just as easily be lost by a twist of fate.

14. “Nemo sine vitio est.”

latin phrase. No one is without faul
This is an important phrase which means “No one is without fault”. Often we are so besotted with some people in our life that we believe they can do no wrong. However, no person is without fault and we shouldn’t forget that. It also applies to those who find reasons to look down or criticize someone easily, without realizing that no one can be perfect and we'll always have some flaw or the other.

15. "Barba tenus sapientes."

Latin Phrases, false persona
Just because someone looks wise or attempts to portray themselves as an intellectual person, doesn’t necessarily mean they actually are. This Latin phrase, which means “As wise as far as the beard” implies that someone might look intelligent at first but it all well might be a mask.
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