This is an extraordinarily simply Latin proverb, the sort of thing that can be taught on the first day of Latin class. The word "et" plus two simple first conjugation verbs.
The meaning, however, is profound. This is one of those proverbs where two parts are combined to create a greater whole.
To keep awake, to be "vigilant" (this English word comes from the same Latin verb), is a good thing.
It is also a good thing to be hopeful; you don't want to ever feel "desperate" (this English word comes from the same Latin verb, negated).
Yet it would be possible to keep awake without hope. This would be the staying awake that comes from worry, fear, anxiety.
It would also be possible to hope, but to be lazy about that, snoozing away every opportunity.
So: you must combine these two things! You must keep awake AND be hopeful. It is the combination of these two attitudes, expressed in this simple three-word proverb, that will help you accomplish great things in life!
This is definitely one of the Latin sayings that I consider to be one of my own personal mottoes!
Here is the proverb read out loud:
1028. Vigilo et spero.
The number here is the number for this proverb in
If you are reading this via RSS: The Flash audio content is not syndicated via RSS; please visit the Latin Audio Proverbs blog to listen to the audio.
