Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group T(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 mottoesAll entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.tabula rasa
A scraped writing tablet; an erased tablet, a clean slate.
John Locke's image of the mind at birth. John Locke (1632-1704) was an English empirical philosopher. Tabula rasa often refers to a mind devoid of preconceptions. Tacent, satis laudant.
They are silent, they praise enough.
"Silence is praise enough" is a line from Terence's Eunuchus, and probably acknowledges that rapt attention in an audience can be more flattering than applause. Tacet.
It is silent.
A musical notation that directs a singer or instrumentalist to "Be silent" during that portion of a score so marked with Tacet. Tacitum vivit sub pectore vulnus.
A wound unuttered lives deep within the breast.
Virgil gave this perspective that it is better not to suffer personal attacks in silence. tam facti quam animi
As much in deed as in intention.
tamquam alter idem
As if a second self.
Cicero used the expression, "as if a second self", to describe a completely trustworthy friend; such as, an alter ego ("other I") or alter idem ("another self") are both considered to be one's inseparable friend. Tantum nobis creditum.
So much has been entrusted to us.
Motto of Erindale College of the University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Ta Panta en Christoi Egnestaken. (Greek)
In Christ, all things consist.
Motto of McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton Ontario, Canada. The motto was chosen in 1888. tarde venientibus ossa
For latecomers, the bones.
tedium vitae
Weariness of life.
telum imbelle sine ictu
A feeble weapon without a thrust.
In Virgil's Aeneid, aged Priam throws a telum imbelle sine ictu, meaning an ineffectual argument that refers to an argument which falls short of the mark or misses it altogether. Tempora mutantur.
The times are changed.
A short version of, Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis ("The times are changed and we with them"). A similar version is Omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis ("All things are changed, and we with them"). Tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis.
Times change and we change with them.
Attributed to John Owen who died in 1622, a Welshman known for his Latin epigrams. Tempora mutantur permanet praestantia.
The times change but excellence prevails.
Motto of Mitchell Community College, Statesville, North Carolina, USA. Temporibus mores sapiens sine crimine mutat.
The wise man does no wrong in changing his habits with the times.
From Cato in his Disticha de Moribus, c. 175 B.C.
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