Latin Blog 8: SPQR; Q.E.D.; Mens Sana in Corpore Sano

LATIN BLOG 8: Understanding Latin Phrases Used in Everyday Language

Andrew Yiannakis,  Ph.D.
Research Professor
University of New Mexico

In this series of blogs I shall be covering over thirty Latin phrases that are used in everyday language.

LATIN BLOG 8 includes the terms:

i. SPQR
ii. Q.E.D.
iii. Mens Sana in Corpore Sano

1. SPQR (abbreviation)

Latin origin: Senatus Populusque Romanus,  which translates as:   “The Senate and the people of Rome”. Thus,  SPQR was used to reinforce the notion that the Senate and the people of Rome were members of the new Republic,  which was formed circa 80 BC.

2. Q.E.D.

Q.E.D. is an abbreviaton for “Quod Erat Demonstrandum”, which means “what was to be demonstrated”. Typically used as a term to indicate the completion of a mathematical problem,  or proof.

3. Mens Sana In Corpore Sano

This phrase is often quoted to support the proposition of “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. However,  the full quote suggests a slightly different meaning as in:  “Orandum Est Ut Sit Mens Sana in Corpore Sano”.  The whole quote translates as:  “It is to be hoped (or prayed)  that there is a healthy mind in a healthy body”, implying that a healthy body isn’t always associated with a healthy mind! However,  the notion of having a healthy mind and a healthy body are goals worth striving for.

Author: andrewyiannakis

Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., is currently a Research Professor at the University of New Mexico (USA). He is also Professor Emeritus from the University of Connecticut where he taught the Sociology of Leisure, Tourism & Sport, as well as Research Methods and Computer Applications. He also holds the rank of 8th Dan in Traditional Jujutsu and a 6th Dan in Traditional Kodokan Judo. He is the Director of the Institute of Traditional Martial Arts at the University of New Mexico. He is also the Chair of the Traditional Jujutsu Committee of the USJJF. As an amateur historian, he has led several expeditions to Greece to conduct research at Thermopylae, and locate the path the Persians used in 480 BC to encircle, and defeat King Leonidas and the Greek allies. Prof. Yiannakis has published extensively in a number of areas. View all posts by andrewyiannakis