85 Famous Latin Quotes About Success (2023)

October 24, 2022

Motivational Latin Quotes About Success

Check out these inspirational Latin quotes about success.

Most of us are aware that Latin is a dead language and hasn’t been spoken amongst everyday people for almost 2000 years since the fall of ancient Rome.

Despite this, Latin quotes about success are some of the most popular quotes today.

Even though European monks and scholars continued to write in Latin throughout the middle ages and beyond, the spoken word was sadly lost to the past, especially as it was once the international language of the time.

However, luckily for us the English language is predominantly built upon Latin words.

So, it won’t come as a surprise that there are still a few of them floating around today.

The legal profession is one of a few that still uses Latin sayings in contractual legal documents (mainly to confuse the rest of us).

I’m sure most of us have signed an agreement with the Latin term ‘caveat emptor’ included in it, meaning that the buyer is responsible for checking their goods.

Or used the abbreviation ‘etc.’ at the end of a sentence which is actually short for ‘et cetera,’ meaning ‘and other similar things’.

The initials NB can also sometimes be found at the bottom of important letters or documents, this is the abbreviated form of ‘nota bene,’ meaning that special attention should be paid to that part.

Why not just say that, right?

Keep reading for the Latin success quotes below.

Latin quotes in popular culture

For those of you who thought Latin quotes were resigned to dusty history books in high school or reserved for power broking business leaders then you might be in for a shock.

There are some incredible Latin quotes about success that have been used in Hollywood movies and modern literature.

Probably the most famous of the motivational Latin quotes about success in the modern era was spoken by Robin Williams’ character in the film The Dead Poets Society, where he delivers his celebrated ‘carpe diem’ speech.

Teaching the students that they must ‘seize the day.’

Another actor who was actually more famous for assassinating a president of the United States took his opportunity to utter one of the now most infamous lines in the Latin language.

John Wilkes Booth leapt to the stage and shouted “sic semper tyrannis,” shortly after he had assassinated Abraham Lincoln.

Which translates as “thus be to tyrants.”

And who could forget those famous last words of Caesar, made famous by William Shakespeare?

As the once mighty Julius Caesar looks at his faithful friend Brutus and utters the phrase, “et tu Brute?”

Meaning, “and you Brutus?” before he finally succumbs to the many knives that have been thrust into his torso.

Keep reading for more Latin quotes about success.

Latin expressions used everyday

As I said at the beginning of this article, many English words are built on the foundations of the Latin language, and it isn’t just the famous Latin quotes about success that you can read below that have relevance.

How often do we use the term ‘bona fide’ to describe something that is the real deal?

Well ‘bona fide’ which would have actually been pronounced ‘bon-a fid-e’ is a direct Latin term which translates into English as ‘good faith.’

Meaning that something was taken or given in good faith.

Over time we have evolved it into meaning that whatever was given or taken is right and correct.

In UK journalism, all reporters will be familiar with the term ‘vox pop’ which is when a reporter canvases the general public for their viewpoint, often recording it on a microphone or camera.

The term ‘vox pop’ comes from the Latin term ‘vox populi’ meaning ‘voice of the people.’

Ok, so not quite Latin quotes about success but pretty interesting all the same.

Whilst researching Latin proverbs for this blog, I noticed that if you were an ancient Roman or ancient Greek, then much like your counterparts in present times, you would have had a particular penchant for alcohol.

On a lot of sites, the top phrases alongside the more inspirational Latin quotes about success were ones about wine.

They evidently believed that wine brought out the truth in whoever drank it as one of the most enduring phrases is “vino veritas,” which translates as “in wine there is truth.”

That, alongside “aqua vitae” which literally means “water of life,” which relates to potent alcohol as opposed to good quality H20.

Now if you are here for the headline Latin quotes about success and motivation then wait no longer.

Check out our top 61 Latin quotes about success below.

15 best Latin phrases

Ceteris paribus

“All other things being equal.”

Sine qua non

If you have a particular attribute that defines you then you could say that it was “an absolutely necessary component or ingredient,” which is the literal translation for the phrase above.

Panem et circenses

This one is actually better known now by its English translation: “bread and circuses;” the idea that many people can be placated by diversions and security, rather than aiming for greatness. If you are aiming for better things, then avoid the bread and circuses!

Carpe Diem

Perhaps the most recognised Latin phrase in existence today. Originally taken from the Odes of Horace, the literal translation is “seize the day,” meaning don’t waste it!

Carpe noctem

“Seize the night.” Much like it’s daytime counterpart the meaning of this is to put in whatever time is necessary to achieve a worthy goal.

Audentes fortuna iuvat

“Fortune favors the bold.” People who think things can’t be done are often interrupted by others who are actually doing them.

Semper paratus

“Always prepared,” the motto of both the U.S. Coast Guard and (in Anglicized format) the Boy Scouts.

Acta non verba

“Actions, not words.” Another good latin phrase that also happens to be the motto of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

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Ad infinitum

“Again and again, the same way forever.” Whether you choose to see this as monotony or what happens when you generate some insane recurring income is up to you.

Veni, Vidi, Vici

The famous alleged words of Julius Caesar, meaning I came, I saw, I conquered. Jay-Z actually used the translation in his song ‘Encore,’ and it is popular amongst tattoo artists. Two time world boxing champion Carl Frampton is one of many sports men that has the latin quote etched into his skin.

Semper fidelis

“Always faithful,” the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps. Even if you’re not a Marine, it’s good to know this one and what it means.

Pulvis et umbra sumus

“We are but dust and shadow.” This should evoke those famous words from the film Gladiator; “We are but shadows and dust Maximus, shadows and dust.”

Vi et industria

“By Strength and industry,” basically, if you’re willing to put in the hard work and don’t give up. You will achieve success.

Consilion non impetu

By wisdom not rashness. Strength and work ethic is all very well but using your brain power and not rushing in is clearly good advice.

A cane muto et aqua silente cave tibi

This is the perfect phrase if you want to confuse a rival or get everyone scratching their head about what you’re up to. Its literal translation is; “beware of the dog that does not bark and of silent waters.”

Keep reading for Latin quotes about success in sport.

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Qui totum vult totum perdit

“He who wants everything loses everything.”

Timendi causa est nescire

“Ignorance is the cause of fear.”

Fas est ab hoste doceri

“One should learn even from ones enemies.”

Abusus non tollit usum

“Abuse does not take away use.”

Audentes fortuna iuvat

“Fortune favors the bold,” is the stand-out Latin expression from Virgil’s Aeneid.

Sic semper tyrannis

“Thus be to tyrants,” was the famous quote from John Wilkes Booth as he shot the president Abraham Lincoln at the theatre.

Amor vincit omnia

In the face of evil it is important that we remember; “love conquers all.”

Ad victoriam

You can imagine the battle cries heard by Roman soldiers as they stood with sword and shield in hand; “to victory.”

Arte et marte

“By skill and valour.”

Audemus jura nostra defendere

“We dare to defend our rights” is the state motto of Alabama

Dum spiro spero

“While I breathe, I hope.”

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam

“I will either find a way or make one.” The phrase has been attributed to Hannibal when he was questioned by his general on how he was going to cross the Alps.

Audere est facere

Greatness never comes without taking risk; “to dare is to do.”

Ignis aurum proat, miseria fortes viros

“Fire provides proof of gold; misery, proof of strong men.” From the Roman poet Ovid.

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Floreat qui laborat

Working hard was a common theme amongst the ancient Romans you may be unsurprised to hear. This translates as “he prospers who labours.”

Labor omnia vincit

They certainly weren’t afraid of applying themselves; “work wins everything.”

Fortis et velox

“Strong and swift.” A particularly powerful mantra that sounds like a way in which revenge should be dealt.

Fulminis instar

Following on from the revenge theme, a way that every good man should attack, “like lightning.”

In veritate victoria

Apparently moral as well as determined, this phrase means “victory in truth.”

Invictus arduis

A firm motto often found on a coat of arms, this translates as “unconquered in difficulties.”

Nec elatus nec dejectus

“Neither overjoyed, nor dejected,” a reminder that a stoic mindset helps when striving for greater goals.

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Nil desperandum

“Never despairing.” Keeping your head while all about you are losing theirs as Kipling would put it.

Qui potest capere capist

This is definitely one for the capitalists out there, the phrase translates as “let him take who can take.”

Vita, Veritas, Victoria

Quite simply; “Life, truth, victory”

Citius, Altius, Fortius

This could be a great idea for the next crossfit strapline? “Faster, higher, stronger”

Nunquam non paratus

Certainly, the best way to approach any new venture or challenge; “never unprepared.”

Generousitas et victoria

“Generous in victory,” something I’m not sure all Romans could be accused of.

Fléctere si néqueo súperos Acheronta movebo

Stoking the fires with this famous Latin quote from Virgil’s Aeneid next time you are playing in a big game is a great way to bring in some passion. The literal translation is; “If I cannot move heaven, I will raise hell.” Powerful!

Wait! There’s more Latin quotes about success – Keep reading!

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Ubi amor ibi fides

Quite simply; “Where there is love, there is faith.”

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Vincit omnia veritas

One to bear in mind when things get tough or you find yourself in the middle of a scandal; “truth overcomes all things.”

Virtus in arduis

“Courage in difficulties,” a saying we could all benefit from hearing.

Asgre lan diogel et phercen

“A good conscience is the best shield”

Dum spiro spero

“While I breathe I hope,” should inspire anyone who is feeling like they are up against it.

Esto quod esse videris

A reminder that the power of truth and transparency lies in an honest person, “men should be what they seem”

Finem respice

“Consider the end,” whether this is the end goal or death, they didn’t seek to clarify.