Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group D

(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.

Deus nobis pace olim fecit.
God gave us this freedom.

Motto on the seal of Virginia (1776-1779), USA.

Deus providebit.
God will provide.

Motto of Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, California, USA; and the German Emperor Maximilian II (1564-1576).

dies nefastus
Contrary to divine law.

An unlucky or inauspicious day. For the Romans, dies nefasti were days on whilch no judgments could be pronounced nor any public business transacted.

Dirigo.
I guide.

Motto of the State of Main, USA.

Discere si cupias intra: salvere iubemus.
If you wish to learn, enter: we welcome you.

Motto inscribed on the east facade of Brookings Hall; Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Disciplina praesidium civitatis.
Discipline, the guardian of the state.

Motto of the University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA.

Disciplina, fide, perseverantia. (Latin motto)
Translation: "By discipline, fidelity, and perseverance."

A motto of fortitude and steadfastness.

Ditat Deus.
God enriches.

Motto of the State of Arizona, USA.

Divide et impera. (Latin maxim)
Translation: "Divide and rule."

1. A reference to the policy of stirring up dissension and rivalries within the ranks of one's enemies, as Caesar did in Gaul and elsewhere.

2. This ancient political maxim, adopted by Machiavelli, is also given as Divide ut regnes and as Divide ut imperes, all of which mean "divide [the opposition] in order to rule" or "divide and conquer".

Dixi.
I have spoken.

A strong assertion that "I will say no more on the subject, and no one else may speak further" or "That settles the matter."

D.M.D.; Dentariae Medicinae Doctor
Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Doce ut discas
Teach in order to learn.
Docendo discimus. (Latin)
Translation: "We learn by teaching."

A maxim that is obvious to good teachers and which leads to Doce ut discas, "Teach in order to learn."

Docendum et discendum. (Latin motto)
Translation: "To be taught and to learn."

Motto of Blackheath Proprietary School, UK.

Docet Omnia. (Latin motto)
Translation: "All things are taught."

Motto of the Collège de France in Paris. Founded in 1530, located in the Latin Quarter of Paris since 1610.

Some say the Collège de France may be able to add the motto: Docet omnia omnes, "All things are taught to all" if they can complete the expansion of their facilities as planned (from a March 17, 1993, article seen in The Chronicle of Higher Education).

The Collège de France was created in 1530 at the request of King Francis I of France. Of humanist inspiration, this school was established as an alternative to the Sorbonne to promote such disciplines as the Hebrew language, Ancient Greek, and Mathematics.

Initially called Collège Royal, and later Collège des Trois Langues (Latin: Collegium Trilingue), Collège National, Collège Impérial, it was named Collège de France in 1870 and it is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.

The Collège does not grant degrees, but has research laboratories, as well as one of the best research libraries in Europe, with sections focusing on history with rare books, humanities, and social sciences; as well as, chemistry and physics.

Not ignorance, but ignorance of ignorance, is the death of knowledge.
—Alfred North Whitehead,
mathematician and philosopher
(1861-1947)

Pointing to a page about a kleptomaniac Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.