Latin Quotes, Sayings, Tattoos, Phrases & Mottos

I have always used the phrase Sortes Virgilianae as the only term describing the practice of divination with the use of Virgil's works. In English this is probably best rendered as Virgilian lots. Recently I came across an absolutely delightful term "Maronian lottery".

As a matter of fact, here is the entire passage from the article 'The Delphic Oracle' by Hugh Lloyd-Jones Greece & Rome, 2nd Ser., Vol. 23, No. 1. (Apr., 1976), pp. 60-73. The third inscription sounds extremely enigmatic, especially because according to Plutarch it consisted of a single letter "E"!

Over the three entrances of the temple were inscribed three
famous maxims: 'Nothing in excess', 'Know thyself'-which means
not 'Practise introspection', but 'Remember that you are mortal'-
and 'Go bail and ruin is at hand'.

Today I read a claim that the famous saying inscribed above one of the entrances into the shrine of the Delphic oracle (γνωθι σεαυτόν, "Know thyself", rendered in Latin as Nosce te ipsum) does not actually contain an invitation to introspection, but rather suggests that a man must be aware of being mortal. I think the introspection reading is a lot more fun!

Yep, that's the idea. A Latin Course called Latina Christiana is technically meant to be used with a textbook, but, in my opinion, some success can be achieved from simply watching the lessons and doing homework. Church pronunciation is used throughout the program, expectedly so. There is, however, a brief explanation of the main differences that exist between Classical and Church systems of pronunciation. Students interested in reading Roman authors are encouraged to become familiar with the restored pronunciation. I have plans to write a thorough review after spending more time watching the lessons. My initial impression is that folks who home school their kids would be very appreciative of the extra assurance gained from being able to use the help of a real qualified instructor. More often than not people are trying to teach Latin without ever getting a chance to learn it. And I think that it's not that terrible, as long as proper procedures are followed!


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