scientia potentia est
[skiˈɛn.ti.a pɔˈtɛn.ti.a ˈɛst]word by word
The English phrase 'strength through knowledge' is expressed in Latin as scientia potentia est.
The phrase expresses the idea that having knowledge gives a person power or the ability to achieve goals. While 'strength through knowledge' is a conceptual translation, the standard Latin maxim used to express this idea is scientia potentia est.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase scientia potentia est, scientia means knowledge.
Which one should you use?
Other formal variations include Virtus Per Scientiam and Robur Ex Scientia.
Did you know?
- The word est can mean both 'is' and 'eats' in Latin. In the phrase scientia potentia est, context is the only way to know it refers to existence and not a strange act of consuming power.
- The word potentia descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *pótis, which referred to a 'master' or 'husband'. This implies that the 'power' in the phrase is fundamentally linked to authority.
- Although the phrase is often attributed to Francis Bacon, he did not write it in these exact Latin words. The phrasing is a later translation used by scholars to summarize his philosophy.
Examples in context
- Scientia potentia est.Knowledge is power.
- Memor debet scire quod scientia potentia est.The wise man must know that knowledge is power.
- In hoc mundo, scientia potentia est.In this world, knowledge is power.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their studies in a library.
- LuciusCur libros legis, Claudia?Why are you reading books, Claudia?
- ClaudiaQuia scientia potentia est, Luci.Because knowledge is power, Lucius.
- LuciusIta est, sed studia difficilia sunt.That is true, but studies are difficult.
- ClaudiaVerum est, sed discere volo.It is true, but I want to learn.
