General Latin aphorisms and proverbs

Philosophical and Life Principles

The Latin language has preserved many universal sayings that describe basic attitudes towards life. Many of them became winged phrases thanks to ancient thinkers and commanders.

For example, Gaius Julius Caesar's famous phrase Alea jacta est ("the die is cast") is used when it is necessary to describe making an irrevocable decision. If we are talking about a continuous aspiration for life and faith in the better, the expression Dum spiro, spero is used — hope lives as long as a person breathes.

The following concepts are frequently encountered in everyday and academic environments:

• Indication of origins: to emphasize that a process is being considered from its earliest stages, people say Ab origĭne or use the idiom Ab ovo (literally — "from the egg").
• Attitude towards labor and cognition: the principle Docendo discĭmus reminds us that by teaching others, we develop ourselves, while the motto Debes, ergo potes connects the sense of duty with the objective ability to accomplish a task.
• Relationships and ethics: it is customary to speak either positively about the dead or remain silent (De mortuis aut bene, aut nihil). True friendship and loyalty, meanwhile, are tested precisely in moments of uncertainty and adversity (Amīcus certus in re incerta cernĭtur).

Mention should also be made of terms that have firmly entered modern usage. An institution of higher education that gives a start in life is traditionally called a "nourishing mother" (Alma mater), a description of one's life and professional path is called Curriculum vitae (a modern resume), and the ironic designation for unattainable deadlines sounds like Ad Kalendas Graecas (meaning the event will never happen, since the Greeks did not have calends).

Medical Deontology and Terminology

In a physician's professional environment, Latin performs not only a terminological but also an ethical function. The symbol of true medical practice is historically considered to be a burning candle accompanied by the motto Aliis inserviendo consūmor. This aphorism emphasizes that the specialist literally burns out, giving their strength to serve and help those around them. If doctors need to discuss a patient's severe condition without their presence, a special consilium is assembled — Absente aegrōto.

A significant body of Latin expressions is used to classify diagnoses:

1. Diagnōsis bona — curatio bona: emphasizes the direct link between quality recognition of a disease and a successful therapeutic outcome.
2. Diagnōsis ex juvantĭbus: making a diagnosis based on how the patient responds to trial treatment (evaluation based on the efficacy of supportive measures).
3. Diagnōsis ex observatiōne: conclusions are made exclusively on the basis of prolonged observation of the clinical picture.

In pharmacology and prescription writing, it is critically important to master the terms defining drug volumes. A single portion of medication is designated as Dosis pro dosi. The amount of medication calculated for one day is called Dosis pro die, and the total volume for the entire therapy period is Dosis pro cursu.

Latin is also used to describe harmful habits in the anamnesis. For example, excessive fondness for alcohol is delicately recorded as Abūsus in Baccho.

Scientific, Legal, and Discussion Formulations

Latin is the language of logic and law. When analyzing complex situations, the question Cui prodest is often asked to find out who specifically benefits from the events that have occurred. To distinguish between the actual state of affairs and formal status, a pair of concepts is used: De facto (in fact) and De jure (by law, legally).

Strict rules of argumentation are applied in scientific disputes and in the search for truth:

• Carl Linnaeus asserted: In scientia naturāli principia observationǐbus confirmāri debent (any principles in natural science must rely on observations).
• Spontaneous criticism is rejected by the rule Damnant, quod non intellegunt — people tend to condemn what they do not understand.
• Debate with an opponent who rejects fundamental axioms is meaningless (Cum principia negante non est disputandum).

To describe the states of objects in science, the preposition in with the ablative is used. If a substance or process is only forming, they speak of the stage In statu nascendi. The current state of affairs is recorded as In statu praesenti, and a return to the starting point is In statu, quo ante.

Briefly: answers to topical questions

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Expressions related to conducting debates and evidence (Ad disputandum, Ad hominem, Ad rem, Ad absurdum)
• Principles of interpersonal relationships and emotions (Amantium irae amoris integratio est, Alter ego)
• Formulas for gift inscriptions and authorship (Donum auctōris, D.D.D.)
• Designations of the highest degree and infinity (Ad maximum, Ad infinītum)
• Specific expressions of completeness and outcomes (In summa, In toto)

Other topics in the section "Latin aphorisms, special expressions, proverbs"

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