“Carpe Diem” Editor Quintus Ni says, “Don’t worry what will happen tomorrow; enjoy now; enjoy the moment.“

Luke says, “Thanks, Quintus. Good advice.” Now, follow it in Latin.

By Luke Langlois

Do you know why characters in movies and TV shows are so much more hip and cool than people are in actual day-to-day life? It’s one-liners. Unfortunately, saying one-liners in real life will probably not spark the reaction that they do in movies. Instead, people may look at you and ask why you are speaking exclusively in witty, planned responses. But, what if you decide to start saying Latin one-liners? Would you be able to Latin-one-line your way into a promotion? Is there anything better than the dying language of what used to be one of the largest empire the world has ever seen? Enough with the rhetorical questions; here are some Latin one-liners that may help you be the mightiest around. Please note that a pronunciation guide isn’t included, just sound it out, or something. 

1. Lupus non timet canem latrantem: A wolf is not afraid of a barking dog. If you’re ever being relentlessly insulted by someone, this should be your go-to catchphrase. Depending on your tone, you may be asking for a fight. 
2. Ad meliora: Toward better things. Did you just drop your $1,000 iPhone on the asphalt and have it promptly shatter? Ad meliora, for when your day isn’t going well, but you know that better things await. 
3. Faber est suae quisque fortunae: Every person is the artisan of their own fortune. If you ever feel like life is just not going your way and that things could be better, remember this phrase. Craft your future!
4. Audentes fortuna iuvat: Fortune favors the bold. Obviously, you’ve heard this one before, but have you ever seen it in Latin? As cliche as it is, life won’t just happen to you; YOU happen to life. Be bold. 
5. Carpe diem: Seize the day. Yeah, yeah, we all know this one, but it’s Quintus’s theme, so I had to include it. It’s not half bad advice, you know. 
6. Carpe vinum: Seize the wine. For you over 21-ers, this is a fun alternative to carpe diem when you really don’t feel like seizing the day. 
7. Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt: Mortal actions never deceive the gods. Honestly, parents should use this line more. If they know their kid is stealing candy from the candy jar, they should use this phrase and strike fear into their child’s heart forever.
8. Ad astra per aspera: Through adversity to the stars. This is one of the more common phrases on the list, but that does not detract from its coolness factor. When you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, whether it be an essay or a drive home that seems extra long, remember that you are well on your way to the stars. If you’re an astronaut, feel free to take this literally! 
9. Dulce periculum: Danger is sweet. Feeling edgy today? Dulce periculum! 
10.  Aquila non capit muscas: The eagle does not catch flies. Basically, this phrase is used when you are feeling too mighty to be dealing with petty matters. Perhaps you are the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company and someone asks you to make some copies for them. The eagle does not catch flies! Be wary, though. If you use this phrase too much, people will just dislike you. 
11. Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo: If I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell. If you’re looking for a good hook for your triumphant supervillain monologue, this might be it.
12. Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt: Men generally believe what they want to believe. Do you want to cleanly win and end an argument at the same time? Use this phrase. Your opponent (likely) won’t understand you, but you’ll know that you have left them with a zinger.
13. Ars longa, vita brevis: Art is long, life is short. If you’re working on the next great American novel, but people aren’t supporting you in your endeavor and think it’s a waste of time, hit them with ars longa, vita brevis. 
14. Aut viam inveniam aut faciam: I will either find a way or make one. While this can be used for some self-motivation, it can also be used for vague threats. Try it out! 
15. Factum fieri infectum non potest: It is impossible for a deed to be undone. Think before you act, now in Latin. 

Carpe Diem Editor Quintus Ni