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

I think, therefore I am depressed.

Also translated as, "I think, therefore I exist."

Credited to Descartes [French philosopher] as a priori proof of one's existence in his Discourse on Method, and is used as the starting point for his philosophic system.

"I have heard the wind in the fig trees."

Motto of Emperor Frederick II of Germany (1215-1250). His motto is said to have denoted the emperor's longing for Sicily. He was Italian by taste and training and had little of the German about him.

Of sound mind, sane.

A person who is in his/her right mind is adjudged compos mentis; literally, as "in full possession of mental powers". This term and non compos mentis are properly used in legal writing and court testimony and are not supposed to be used loosely by people "unqualified to make either judgment" of another person.

I carry through what I attempt.

A motto of perseverance and steadfastness.

Translation: "Indispensable condition."

When an agreement stands or falls on the inclusion of a particular condition, that condition may be called a conditio sine qua non, literally "a condition without which not".

Compare, refer to.

The element cf. means "refer to". The abbreviation is most often seen in English writing. It may be used, for example, to invite readers to compare an author's discussion with that presented in another work, but the important fact to bear in mind is that cf. does not merely mean "see" or "see also".

The full Latin word confer is never seen in modern texts.

Translation: "By reason and industry."

Motto of German Emperor Leopold I (1658-1705).

With constancy against difficulties.

A motto of perseverance and steadfastness.

By perseverance and diligence.

A motto of fortitude and steadfastness.

Through perseverance and bravery.

Motto of German Emperor Charles VI (1711-1740).

By perseverance against difficulty.

Opposites are cured by opposites.

A medical belief of allopathic medicine, the traditional form of medical practice, that seeks to fight disease by using remedies which produce effects opposite to the effects produced by the disease under treatment; for example, the use of antibiotics.

Similia similibus curantur, "Fight fire with fire" is a contrary approach to healing. See this maxim for more details.

Heart speaks to heart.

Motto of Cardinal Newman College, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

I offer my heart to You, Lord.

Motto of Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

1. The body of Christ: A feast of the Roman Catholic Church commemorating the Eucharist and observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
2. Etymology: Latin, literally, "Body of Christ".