10 Precious Latin Quotes To Guide You Through Life

Sometimes we need a few reminders to get us through life and help us find perspective in the midst of chaos. And what better reminders that some good old age advice. It ages better than fine wine!!

So here are 10 precious latin sayings and words of wisdom.

“Vivamus, moriendum est”

~Let us live since we must die - Seneca

As we go through life, we often forget that our days are numbered and that the end may come sooner than expected. We set goals for ourselves and make plans for tomorrows that may never come. We focus on achievements and forget to simply live.

This is a great quote to remind you to never put tomorrow before today because you're truly only given the present moment. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

So live your joy and enjoy your life. Cherish your days, yourself, and your loved ones.

“Pedes in terra ad sidera visus”

~Feet on the ground, eyes on the sky

You often hear people define themselves as either a dreamer or a realist, but in my humble opinion, you can be both. Rather, it's healthier to be both and this quote aims to remind us of that.

You can dream big and seek great heights of joy, love, success...whatever you want, as long as you're aware and accepting of your reality as well.

Reality should in no way be a hindrance to you achieving your dreams, instead, it should be a factor you take when choosing the path that leads you to your dream. By being aware of our reality and circumstances, we can strive to make the smartest, wisest, and most appropriate choices to guide us to our dreams and desires.

“Festina lente”

~Hury slowly - Augustus

This quote is a great reminder that haste and speed are not the same things. Whatever it is that you have to do or get done, you must simply do it. Take quick action and proceed expeditiously but do it all prudently and with diligence and focus.

Haste is essential most of the time but it is no excuse for mistakes or poorly done work.

“Si vis amari ama”

~If you want to be loved, love - Seneca

This one is a great reminder of the reciprocity of love. Actually, it can translate itself into many other things. If you want to be treated well, treat well. If you want to be respected, respect...

Life in general is about reciprocity. We often hear the famous sentence "what goes around, comes around" and this Latin quote is similar in a way.

Think of flowers, they don't bloom unless you take care of them. Water them, give them the right amount of sun or shade...

It is the way of life, everything you want to receive, you have to learn to give it first.

“Dum spiro, spero”

~While I breathe, I hope - Cicero

When misery strikes, strive to remember this one.

In times of hardships, it can be challenging to find a reason to hold on and hope. The truth of the matter is, that every breath we take is hope; For with every new breath, we are reminded that we are still alive and that being the case, we always have the time and chance to do or change something.

With every new breath, we can look at a loved one's face, the beautiful blue sky, say another I love you..and that is why every new breath is hope.

“Non est ad astra mollis e terris via”

~There is no easy way from the earth to the stars - Seneca

If your dreams and goals seem impossible to achieve or you're tired of the fight, remind yourself o this one.

No great thing nor great height in life is attained easily. You can't get there quickly either. Most of the time you will have to take a long road. Will you truly let that stop you though?

If you want to reach the stars, you have to learn to be patient and never tire of your efforts.

“Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re”

~Gently in manner, firmly in action

Most of the time, more than what you do, it's the way you do it that matters more.

This Latin quote can be seen as the equivalent to the saying " an iron fist in a velvet glove". Whatever you do, do it with determination and unflinching firmness but make sure you also do it in an inoffensive matter. It scores you more points than if you do it with an aggressive and offending attitude

“Mali principii malus finis”

~Bad beginnings have bad endings

Start as you mean to go on as we say.

The foundation of anything you do in life, be it a job or a relationship is essential to its future.

Think of building palaces on top of the sand. No matter how much you reinforce the building itself with concrete, it shall be doomed to crumble down one day.

“Usus est magister optimus”

~Practice is the best teacher

Or as the french say "it is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith".

It really doesn't matter how much you read about a certain subject or how many courses you take. You can only truly learn something in an effective matter by practicing it.

This is a great reminder for those who spend much time on research, assumptions, or planning, or those who are too cautious or perfectionists by nature.

You have to take the jump. That's the real way to learn.

“Dictum factum”

~What is said is done

Words matter much more than we think.

Everything we say may have a domino effect, the same way a real action can. Or even more strongly.

It can sometimes bring some people's fears or traumas to the surface. It can create distrust or disappointment. It can set us on a path different from the one we intended on taking.

So let us all be more mindful of our words and how not only they impact our own lives but also the lives of others.

I sincerely hope these few precious old Latin sayings can remind you when needed to live your life more wisely and mindfully.