Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group A
(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)
Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes
Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.
Also translated as, "Just behave yourself." This advice is probably applicable to those who receive lifetime appointments and are therefore being warned that such an appointment is not intended to be entirely unconditional.
From the Old Testament: Ecclesiastes, V, 10 (c. 250 B.C.). It is probably the origin of "The More he has, the more he wants."
It is said that the multi-millionaire, John D. Rockefeller, was once asked, "How much money does it take to make a man happy?" His response: "Just a little more!"
The Roman's used Ave, "Hail" as the equivalent of "Hello" and vale as the equivalent of "goodbye" and, in addition, as the Roman farewell to the dead.
It is stated that Catullus used this expression in closing a poem on the death of his brother: Atque in perpetuum, frater, ave atque vale. or "And forever, brother, hail and farewell!"
Spoken to Claudius by gladiators prior to entering the arena to fight. This may have been a sarcastic salutation.
Suetonius tells us in his Lives of the Caesars that Emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-A.D. 54) so enjoyed these spectacles, he ordered that even those who fell accidentally be put to death. He wanted to watch their faces as they died.
Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.
