The best Latin quotes from Asterix

Anyone who has ever read an Asterix album knows that they contain more than just a few Latin phrases. However, the last few albums seem to feature fewer quotes than the earlier works written by Goscinny. All the Latin quotes I know, I learned from Asterix. Back in the days before the internet, I had to run to the local library to look them up—now, they are just a few clicks away.

For those who would like a complete overview of the Latin quotes in print, I highly recommend the book Les Citations Latines Expliquées (The Latin Citations Explained), which has been published in French, German, Spanish, and Swedish. Why is there no English version? Your guess is as good as mine.

“Learn Latin with Asterix” was the title of a CD-ROM released in 2000 by EuroTalk. If you’re interested, I found a website where you can still order it.

If you can actually read Latin, there are translations of Asterix in Latin available.

My Favorite Quotes

I have tried to give a translations and explanation of every Latin quote found in every album. Here are my top 15 favorite citations:

1. Vanitas vanitatum et omnia vanitas (Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity.)
   This phrase comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes (1:2) in the Vulgate Bible, expressing the fleeting and meaningless nature of worldly pursuits. It serves as a reflection on the temporary nature of life and the ultimate futility of material and earthly ambitions. Asterix the Gaul
2. Errare Humanum Est (To err is human.)
   This Latin proverb, often attributed to Seneca the Younger, highlights the inevitability of human mistakes. It is sometimes extended to “Errare humanum est, perseverare autem diabolicum” (“To err is human, but to persist in error is diabolical”) to emphasize the importance of learning from one’s mistakes. Asterix and the Goths
3. Quod erat demonstrandum (Which was to be demonstrated.)
   It originates from classical Greek mathematics, used by Euclid, and was later adopted in Latin by scholars to signify the completion of a logical proof or argument. Today, it is commonly used in formal mathematics and philosophy to indicate that a statement has been successfully proven. Asterix and Cleopatra
4. Sol lucet omnibus (The sun shines for everyone.)
   This phrase conveys the idea of equality and universal opportunity, suggesting that natural blessings, like sunlight, are available to all regardless of status or wealth. It has been used in philosophical and literary contexts to emphasize fairness and inclusivity. Asterix and the Normans
5. Quomodo vales? (How are you?)
   It is a common way to inquire about someone’s well-being, with “Valeo” (“I am well”) being a typical response. In classical Latin, this phrase was used in everyday conversation, much like “How do you do?” in English. Asterix the Legionary
6. Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am.)
   This famous philosophical statement was coined by René Descartes in his Discourse on the Method (1637) and later expanded in Meditations on First Philosophy (1641). It serves as a foundational element of modern philosophy, asserting that the act of thinking itself is proof of one’s existence. Asterix the Legionary
7. Beati pauperes spiritu (Blessed are the poor in spirit.)
   This phrase comes from the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew (5:3) and is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It is often interpreted as a call to humility, detachment from material wealth, and reliance on God’s grace. Asterix in Spain
8. Maior e longinquo reverentia (Respect is greater from a distance.)
   This phrase suggests that people or things often seem more impressive or admirable when viewed from afar, whether in terms of physical distance or emotional detachment. It reflects a common human tendency to idealize what is not immediately accessible. Asterix in Switzerland
9. Ira furor brevis est (Anger is a brief madness.)
   This quote comes from the Roman poet Horace (Epistles, 1.2.62) and warns about the destructive and irrational nature of anger. It suggests that, like madness, anger can cloud judgment and lead to regrettable actions if not controlled. Asterix and the Great Crossing
10. Redde Caesari quae sunt Caesaris (Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.)
    It’s famously from the Bible, specifically the Gospel of Matthew (22:21), where Jesus speaks about the relationship between religious duties and civil obligations. The phrase suggests the idea of giving due respect and what is owed to both God and secular authority. Obelix and Co.
11. Ad Augusta, per angusta (To greatness, through difficulties.)
    It’s often used to express the idea that achieving something great or noble requires overcoming challenges and obstacles. It’s a motto of perseverance and determination, often associated with achieving success or greatness despite difficulties. Nowadays we would say “No pain, no gain”. Asterix and the Great Divide
12. Sic transit gloria mundi (Thus passes the glory of the world.)
    The phrase is often used to reflect on the transient nature of fame, power, and earthly success. Historically, it was spoken during the papal coronation ceremony, symbolizing the reminder that worldly glory is temporary and ultimately fleeting. Asterix and the Magic Carpet
13. Summa ius, summa iniuria (The highest law is the highest injustice.)
    This phrase reflects the idea that the strictest interpretation of the law can sometimes lead to unjust outcomes, especially when it overlooks fairness or humanity. It highlights the tension between legal rigor and moral justice. Obelix all at Sea
14. Nunc est bibendum (Now is the time to drink.)
    This phrase is often used in a celebratory context, suggesting that it’s time to enjoy life and indulge. It originates from the poet Horace’s Odes (Book 1, Ode 37), where it marks a moment of revelry and victory. In Asterix, this quote is sometimes used in humorous contexts, aligning with the series’ themes of feasting and fun. Asterix and the Class Act
15. Veritas odium parit (Truth breeds hatred.)
    This phrase suggests that telling the truth can often provoke hostility or resentment, as people may not always want to hear uncomfortable truths. It reflects the idea that honesty, especially when it challenges established beliefs or interests, can lead to conflict or animosity. Asterix and the Class Act

This list was made possible by Pegleg the Philosopher Pirate. Which Latin quotes are your favorites? Am I missing any on this list?

Not so favorite, but famous …

A few well-known Latin phrases not on my list are:

• “Alea iacta est” (The die is cast.) – Attributed to Julius Caesar when crossing the Rubicon.
• “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered.) – Another famous Caesar quote.
• “Carpe diem” (Seize the day.) – From Horace, encouraging people to enjoy life while they can.