The Great Childishness Within Me: The Joy and Philosophy of Studying Latin

 

Magna Puerilitas Quae Est in Me (The Great Childishness Within Me)

Many people may have heard the phrase "Carpe Diem." This phrase, meaning "Seize the day," became famous from the movie Dead Poets Society. The beauty of Latin lies in its ability to convey deep philosophical values in everyday life.

The Roman statesman Cicero once said, "Non tam praeclarum est scire Latinum quam turpe nescire," meaning, "It is not so much an honor to know Latin as it is a shame not to know it." This phrase emphasizes the importance of Latin while also acknowledging its difficulty.

Even in the Roman Empire, those who were fluent in Latin were rare. One reason was the complex grammar system of Latin. For example, a single verb can have up to 160 variations, making it especially challenging to learn.

One of the greatest benefits of studying Latin is the ability to organize thoughts systematically. Through the process of learning and memorizing difficult grammar, one naturally learns efficient study methods and approaches. This not only helps in learning a language but also in developing overall thinking skills.

When it comes to starting to learn something new, you don't need a grand reason. You can begin simply to look impressive, and that's perfectly fine. After all, many great things start with humble beginnings. If you've discovered a bit of childishness within you, rather than feeling embarrassed or criticizing it, why not imagine what great things that childishness might lead to in the future? Remember, it's not just any kind of childishness; it's a "great childishness."

The First Lesson and the Nobility of Latin

Prima schola alba est: The first class is canceled.

On the first day of Latin class, Roman teachers would say to their students, "Nolite timere," meaning, "Do not be afraid," to encourage them as they began to learn a new discipline.

Education in the Roman era was simpler than in the Middle Ages. In the later Roman schools, which were neither public institutions nor compulsory educational institutions, Latin and Greek were taught from the perspectives of language and culture. After explaining the Latin textbooks and assignments, the teachers would declare, "Prima schola alba est," and conclude the first lesson.

Defectus et Meritum (Faults and Merits)

A Roman proverb says, "Postquam nave flumen transiit, navis relinquenda est in flumine," meaning, "After crossing the river, the boat should be left in the river." It carries the lesson that what was once an advantage can turn into a disadvantage, and at such times, one should boldly let it go.

Grading in Latin

In Latin, grades are categorized as follows:

• Summa cum laude: Highest honors
• Magna cum laude: High honors
• Cum laude: Honors
• Bene: Good/Well done

The standard of evaluation is not "doing better than others" but "doing better than before." This is an evaluation method that emphasizes personal growth, valuing competition with oneself.

Philosophical Expressions in Latin

Latin is more than just a language; it is infused with philosophical meaning. Here are a few examples:

• Carpe Diem: Seize the day
  This teaches us not to be bound by the past, nor to waste today dreaming of the future.
• Desidero ergo sum: I desire, therefore I am
  It suggests reflecting on what you desire and what brings you a sense of fulfillment in existence.
• Verumtamen oportet me hodie st cras et sequenti die ambulare: I must continue on my path today, tomorrow, and the day after
  This message encourages us to keep walking our own path without losing it, contemplating what we think about along the way and what we can do to avoid getting tired.
• Dilige et fac quod vis: Love, and do what you will
  It means to ask yourself every day if you are loving enough and what you desperately want to do for the rest of your life.

The Mirage of Study and Life

Nebula: Mirage, something insignificant, confusion

The Latin word "nebula" means "mirage," "something insignificant," or "confusion." This word originates from the Indo-European "nebula," which means "a small cloud." To study or to live is to observe the mirage in our minds. It is difficult but necessary to look into the insignificant things, the illusions of the mind, like a puff of smoke.

The Nobility of Latin

In ancient Indo-European languages, the negative adverbs like "no, non, ne, nein" originated from the "vagueness of water flowing at night." In ancient times, the dark night was understood as the phenomenon where the bright sea's movement ended and dark seawater flowed toward the land. So, when ancient people were asked, "What did you see?" during a pitch-dark night, they answered, "Only water (na)," meaning "I saw nothing." This is why the negative adverb "no, non" derives from the phoneme "na," which symbolizes water in Indo-European languages.

In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, "no," a negation, also appeared as a symbol representing water flowing at night, and later, the Latin negative adverbs "ne, non" were formed.

By studying Latin, we are not merely learning a language but also exploring the history, philosophy, and essence of humanity embedded within it. Through this process, we can achieve deeper thinking and reflection. Within the complexity of Latin, we can discover ourselves and find new paths.

Discover the Joy and Philosophy of Learning Latin, and Develop the Great Childishness Within You into New Possibilities.

Carpe Diem!
(Seize the day, and live in the present.)