Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle as they explore the Latin language in university mottos. From the “Lux” of the West Coast to the “Veritas” of the Ivy League, discover the stories behind the seals.
Introduction: The Octogesimal Episode
Welcome back to the “vomitorium,” listeners! In Episode 80 of the Ad Navseam Podcast, hosts Dr. Jeff Winkle and Dr. David Noe celebrate their “octogesimal” (80th) episode with a return to a favorite topic: Mottos.
Following up on their previous deep dive into State Mottos, this week the hosts turn their gaze to the halls of academia. Why do so many universities—from the Ivy League to the large state schools—insist on using the Latin language on their seals?
Is it mere pretension? Tradition? Or is it because, as Dr. Noe suggests, Latin offers a “gravitas” and “pithiness” that English simply cannot match? In this episode, we tour the campuses of America to uncover the good, the bad, and the grammatically questionable use of Latin in higher education.
Texas: The Guardian of the State
The tour begins deep in the heart of Texas at the University of Texas at Austin.
- The Motto: Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis.
- The Translation: “Education [is] the Guardian of the State” (or “Discipline is the defense of the state”).
Dr. Winkle notes that the university often displays a much longer English quote from Mirabeau B. Lamar: “Cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.” While inspiring, the hosts agree that the Latin language version is superior because it is concise. It strips away the flowery rhetoric to reveal the core truth: a disciplined mind is the shield of the republic.
The South: Dwelling in Unity
Next, the hosts visit The University of the South (Sewanee) in Tennessee.
- The Motto: Ecce Quam Bonum.
- The Source: Psalm 133:1.
- The Meaning: “Behold how good [and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity]”.
Dr. Noe praises this choice for its warmth and communitarian spirit. It isn’t just about “truth” or “light”; it is about the goodness of living together in a scholarly community. It captures the ideal of the university as a family of learners.
The “Light” Brigade: Lux, Lux, and More Lux
If there is one word that dominates university mottos, it is Lux (Light). The hosts break down how different schools use this illuminating noun.
University of North Dakota
- Motto: Lux et Lex (“Light and Law”).
- Verdict: A solid, rhythmic pairing. It balances the enlightenment of knowledge with the order of society.
Yale University
- Motto: Lux et Veritas (“Light and Truth”).
- Verdict: A classic. It combines the Hebrew Urim and Thummim with the Roman ideal of Veritas.
University of California (System)
- Motto: Fiat Lux (“Let there be Light”).
- Verdict: Direct and biblical (Genesis 1:3). It is a command for knowledge to come into existence.
University of Washington
- Motto: Lux Sit (“Let Light Exists/Be”).
- The Controversy: Dr. Noe points out a grammatical nuance here. While Fiat Lux uses the passive subjunctive (“Let light be made/done”), Lux Sit uses the sum/esse verb (“Let light exist”). It is a subtle difference, but one that might annoy a Latin purist who prefers the Vulgate standard.
Oregon: Mind Over Matter
Moving to the Pacific Northwest, the University of Oregon offers one of the most intellectually stimulating mottos, drawn directly from the Latin language‘s greatest epic.
- The Motto: Mens Agitat Molem.
- The Translation: “Mind moves the mass” (or “Mind animates matter”).
- The Source: Vergil’s Aeneid, Book 6, line 727.
In the poem, this line is spoken by Anchises (Aeneas’s father) in the Underworld. He is explaining the metaphysics of the universe—how a divine spirit or mind permeates all matter and gives it life.
Dr. Winkle loves this choice because it elevates education to a cosmic principle. It isn’t just about learning facts; it is about the intellect shaping the material world. It is the ultimate statement of “Mind over Matter”.
MIT: The Practical Mind
Finally, the hosts discuss the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- The Motto: Mens et Manus.
- The Translation: “Mind and Hand”.
This is the perfect motto for an engineering school. It rejects the idea of the “ivory tower” where scholars just think deep thoughts. At MIT, the mind directs the hand to build, create, and fix. It connects theory with practice.
Honorable Mention: Harvard
- Motto: Veritas (“Truth”).
- Verdict: Simple. Direct. Perhaps a bit arrogant in its brevity, as if they own the concept, but undeniable in its power.
Conclusion: Cheese is Magic
As the hosts wrap up this tour of higher education, they remind us that the Latin language is not dead—it is carved into the limestone of our most cherished institutions. Whether it is moving the mass or seeking the light, these mottos remind students of the higher calling of education.
Gustatory Parting Shot
Dr. Winkle ends the episode with a quote from the late, great Anthony Bourdain regarding the magical properties of dairy:
“Cheese is magic. The cheese course is irreplaceable. All the knowledge accumulated by mankind and all the mysterious forces of the natural world… none of these can explain why a hunk of milk that has been left to rot can taste so good.”
Valete!
Resources for the Latin Learner
- Hackett Publishing: For the best translations of Virgil, Plato, and more, use code AN2022 for 20% off and free shipping at the Hackett website.
- Ratio Coffee: Brew your coffee with the precision of an MIT engineer. Use code ANCO for 15% off at the Ratio Coffee website.
- The Moss Method: Want to read the New Testament in the original languages? Dr. Noe can take you from “neophyte to erudite”.
- LatinPerDiem: Check out the Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata course for a total immersion experience.
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