#quote

• Acta est fabula — A famous Latin aphorism literally translated as 'The play has been acted' or 'The story is finished'. In ancient Roman theater, this structural phrase was pronounced at the end of performances to announce to the audience that the play was over and that they could leave. Existentially, the expression is used metaphorically to mark the end of an important stage, the definitive failure of a plan, or the end of life (historically attributed as the last words of Emperor Augustus).
• Acta, non verba — A Latin aphorism literally translated as 'Deeds, not words'. It is a moral and philosophical maxim used universally to emphasize the importance of concrete actions and tangible results over promises, theoretical statements, or rhetorical speeches. In socio-political and administrative contexts, it serves as a structural call to assume responsibility and demonstrate integrity through real deeds.
• Do what you are doing — A Latin expression literally translated as 'Do what you are doing'; an ancient exhortation to maximum concentration, conscious presence, and dedication in executing any current task. The principle demands that an individual devote their entire attention and energy to the task of the present moment, without being distracted by intrusive thoughts, other projects, or external worries, considered an axiom of efficiency and mindfulness avant la lettre.
• Come, use December's freedom — A famous quote from the Satires of the Latin poet Horace (Satire II, 7, 4), translated as 'Come, use December's freedom'; it directly references the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a time of year when slaves were temporarily allowed to speak freely, criticize their masters, and act without social constraints. Broadly and in a modern sense, the aphorism is used to invite relaxation, the courageous expression of truth, or taking advantage of a temporary easing of strict rules.
• Alas, poor Yorick — One of the most famous lines and expressions in world dramaturgy, uttered by the main character in Act V, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's tragedy 'Hamlet'; a philosophical and melancholic exclamation introducing the monologue spoken by the Prince of Denmark while gazing at and holding the exhumed skull of Yorick, the former royal court jester of his childhood. This structural element deeply symbolizes the theme of life's vanity (memento mori), the inevitability of death, and the striking contrast between past merriment and the grim reality of decomposition.
• Aliquote sounds — An acoustic and musical technical term designating higher harmonic sounds (flageolets) produced naturally by the secondary vibration of a string or through overblowing in wind instruments; it also refers to sympathetic strings or special organ registers designed to reproduce or reinforce these upper harmonics.
• All the world's a stage — A famous quote and extended metaphor from William Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It', spoken by the character Jaques. The expression formulates the ancient philosophical concept of 'theatrum mundi', asserting that the entirety of human existence is a giant theatrical play where the world represents the stage and human beings are mere actors performing roles that succeed through the seven ages of man.
• Every beginning is difficult — A famous proverb in the German language, literally translated as 'every beginning is difficult'. It is universally used as a formula of encouragement for individuals initiating a new action, project, career, or studies, reminding them that initial difficulties are natural and can be overcome through perseverance.
• Different masks, the same play — A famous quote extracted from the poem 'Glossă' by Mihai Eminescu, which became a proverbial expression used to describe situations, behaviors, or historical and social events that seem new on the surface (through different actors or settings), but fundamentally remain absolutely identical, repeating the same immutable patterns of human nature.
• I too am a painter! — A famous Italian phrase meaning 'I too am a painter!', traditionally attributed to the painter Antonio da Correggio upon seeing Raphael's 'Saint Cecilia'. In a broad and metaphorical sense, it is used to express enthusiasm, pride, or ambition to belong to the same guild or to rise to the level of established masters in a cultural, artistic, or professional field.
• I too am a painter! — A literal and modernized variant of the famous Italian phrase 'anch'io son pittore!' ('I too am a painter!'). It is used in cultural contexts to express ambition, legitimate pride, or a creator's sudden awareness of their own talent when comparing their work to that of an admired, established master.
• The mind shudders to remember — Famous Latin phrase extracted from Virgil's epic 'Aeneid', literally translated as 'The mind shudders to remember'. This classical maxim is used culturally and creatively to express a profound state of terror, heartbreaking grief, or psychological revulsion felt by a person at the moment they are forced to recall a traumatic event, a tragedy, or extreme past suffering.
• Ante mare, undae — An aphorism or maxim of Latin origin literally translated as 'Before the sea, (there are) the waves'. Used metaphorically in philosophical, literary, or essayistic contexts, the expression suggests the idea that great transformations, phenomena, or crises in history or in an individual's life are always announced in advance by early signs, minor disturbances, or preliminary events.
• Even the beautiful must die — A famous quote from the poem 'Nänie' by Friedrich Schiller, translating to 'even the beautiful must die'; a philosophical maxim lamenting the ephemeral nature of beauty, perfection, and art in the face of implacable mortality. This romantic aphorism underscores the idea that no sublime creation can escape time.
• Fortune favors the bold — A famous Latin dictum from Virgil's epic poem 'Aeneid', translating literally to 'fortune favors the bold' or 'fortune favors the brave'; a philosophical maxim used to underscore that success and luck belong to individuals who act with determination, courage, and resolve, embracing risks in the face of uncertainty.
• The bold offspring of Iapetus — A famous Latin expression from Horace's Odes, translating to 'the bold offspring of Iapetus' or 'the daring race of Iapetus'; a poetic formula referring directly to Prometheus and, by extension, to all humanity. In a philosophical context, it describes the daring and defiant nature of humankind, taking immense risks to transcend limits.
• To self-cite — To consciously introduce fragments, ideas, graphics, or conclusions from one's own previously published work into a new, current paper, making an explicit bibliographical reference to oneself as the original author.
• Have a little patience — A famous verbal cliché and iconic catchphrase delivered by the character Ghiță Pristanda, the policeman in Ion Luca Caragiale's comedy 'O scrisoare pierdută'; originally used to stall a conversation, calm down tempers, or mask a diplomatic hesitation, the phrase has permanently entered the Romanian phraseological lexicon as an ironic or polite formula asking someone to be patient and wait for a situation's outcome.
• Bacchus has drowned more men than Neptune — A famous adage of French origin that literally translates as 'Bacchus drowned more men than Neptune'. Used as a moral warning, the aphorism employs a powerful mythological antithesis between the god of wine (Bacchus) and the god of the sea (Neptun) to emphasize that alcoholism and excessive drinking cause far more victims, ruined lives, and human tragedies than maritime disasters or natural shipwrecks.