Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle as they explore the Latin language in US State mottos. From “Ad Astra Per Aspera” to “Beware of Florida Man,” discover the pithy power of Latin.
Introduction: A Pithy Proposition
Welcome back to the “vomitorium,” listeners! In Episode 55 of the Ad Navseam Podcast, hosts Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle gather on a balmy September evening to discuss a topic that is etched into the very seal of American history: State Mottos.
Why do we put mottoes in the Latin language? Whether it is a state seal, a university crest, or a biker’s tattoo, Latin lends a sense of auctoritas (authority) and weight that English often lacks. As Dr. Noe notes, Latin is the language of economy; it is “pithy”.
In this episode, the hosts take a tour of the 50 states, critiquing the existing mottos and offering some hilarious—and grammatically correct—Latin alternatives.
The “Al Gore” Moment: Why Translation Matters
Before diving into the states, the hosts share a cautionary tale about the dangers of using the Latin language without doing your homework.
Dr. Noe reads a report regarding a speech given by Vice President Al Gore in 1994. While extolling the virtues of diversity, Gore translated the national motto, E Pluribus Unum, as “Out of one, many”.
As any first-year Latin student knows (and as the journalist Al Kamen pointed out), the translation is actually “Out of many, one.” As the hosts joke, getting the translation backward sounds more like the motto for the Soviet Union. It serves as a reminder: a mind is a terrible thing to lose, especially when translating Latin.
The Good: States That Got the Latin Right
Some states understand the assignment. They utilize the Latin language to create aspirational and timeless identities.
Kansas: Ad Astra Per Aspera
“To the stars through difficulties.” Dr. Noe praises this motto for its beauty and aspirational quality. He notes that “aspirational” comes from aspiro (to breathe), while aspera means rough or difficult6666. It is a classic example of Latin’s ability to inspire.
Oregon: Alis Volat Propriis
“She flies on her own wings.” This motto perfectly captures the independent spirit of the state. Dr. Noe admires the word order and the pithy nature of the phrase.
Virginia: Sic Semper Tyrannis
“Thus always to tyrants.” This is perhaps the most aggressive motto in the Union. The seal depicts Lady Virginia with her foot on the neck of a tyrant. It is famously associated with John Wilkes Booth, but its origins are in the deep republican tradition of resisting oppression.
Oklahoma: Labor Omnia Vincit
“Work conquers all.” A direct nod to the poet Veirgil. While Dr. Noe struggled to associate this specifically with cowboys and tumbleweeds, it remains a solid classical reference.
The Bad: Missed Opportunities and “Phoned In” Mottos
Not every state took the time to consult a classicist. Many states opted for generic English phrases that sound like they were “spit out by a random motto generator”.
Wisconsin: Forward
Dr. Winkle argues this might be the worst motto. It isn’t even “Onward”; it is just a direction. It is “past neutral” and terrible.
Delaware: Liberty and Independence
“Liberty and Independence.” Dr. Noe calls this a “snoozer.” It feels like the result of a very long committee meeting where everyone just wanted to go to the pub.
Michigan: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice
“If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” As residents of Michigan, the hosts have a special loathing for this one. It is too long, not pithy, and frankly, a bit confusing. As Dr. Noe jokes, how often do you walk around wondering where a peninsula is, only to be told to look around?
The “Ad Navseam” Alternatives
To rectify these errors, Dr. Noe and Dr. Winkle offer their own Latin language suggestions for various states.
For Florida (Currently: “In God We Trust”)
- Suggestion: Cave Virum Floridianum (“Beware of Florida Man”). This captures the internet’s favorite meme about the chaotic nature of the Sunshine State.
- Alternative: Video Senes (“I see old people”).
For Texas (Currently: “Friendship”)
For a state with such a massive personality (and a former Republic), “Friendship” is disappointingly dull.
- Suggestion: Nimium Bovum (“Too many cows”). It has a nice internal rhyme.
- Alternative: Aurum Nigrum (“Black Gold”), a nod to the oil industry.
For Michigan (Currently: The Peninsula Quote)
- Suggestion: Leones Victi (“The Lions are defeated/conquered”). A painful truth for Detroit sports fans.
- Alternative: Plus Socolatae Densae (“More Fudge”). A tribute to the tourists (“Fudgies”) who flock to Mackinac Island.
For Idaho (Currently: Esto Perpetua)
- Suggestion: Solana Tuberosa Emete (“Buy potatoes”). Why beat around the bush?.
For Vermont (Currently: Stella Quarta Decima Fulgeat)
While the current Latin (“Let the 14th star shine bright”) is grammatically sound, Dr. Noe suggests something tastier.
- Suggestion: Silvae Syrupusque (“Forests and Syrup”).
A Note on Tattoos and the Latin Language
The episode also touches on the modern obsession with Latin tattoos. Dr. Noe shares a story of a biker who wanted a tattoo for his three children. He requested “Conquer the World” in Latin.
- The Translation: Superate Mundum (a plural command to conquer the world).
Conversely, Dr. Winkle shares a story of spotting a tattoo on a young woman in line at CVS. The Greek text read Hemera kath Hemera (“Day by day”). It turns out it was a biblical reference to taking life one day at a time—a lovely moment of philological connection in a drugstore.
Gustatory Parting Shot
As always, the episode concludes with a culinary reflection. This week, Dr. Winkle quotes Janet Clarkson from her book Pie: A Global History:
“There is a mystery inherent in a pie by virtue of its contents being hidden beneath its crust.”
Whether it is the mystery of a pie or the mystery of why Maryland has an Italian motto (Fatti maschii, parole femine), the world is full of things to discover.
Valete!
Resources for the Latin Learner
- Hackett Publishing: For high-quality, affordable translations of the classics (including the Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata series), use code AN2021 for 20% off at hackettpublishing.com.
- Ratio Coffee: To brew coffee that looks like a “grand chemistry experiment,” check out the Ratio 6. Use code ANCO for 15% off at ratiocoffee.com.
The Moss Method: Want to learn Greek or Latin from scratch? Dr. Noe offers self-paced courses. Visit mossmethod.com.
