Spes ultima dea Attributed to Latin Proverbs Proverb Classical Antiquity Roman Empire (Italy and influenced territories) 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning “Spes ultima dea” essentially conveys that in the face of adversity, hope is the last entity to leave us. It personifies hope as a goddess, suggesting that as long as hope remains, there’s a chance for things to improve or turn out well. This philosophical insight underscores human resilience and the psychological strength derived from maintaining a hopeful outlook. Allegory In the image, the serene goddess symbolizes Hope herself, standing with peaceful resolve against a backdrop of adversity. The stormy landscape represents the ubiquitous challenges and adversities people face. Her radiant glow and the glimmers of light signify the enduring nature of hope, illuminating even the darkest situations. Emerging greenery and nascent blooms symbolize new beginnings and the undying spirit of resilience. The universal symbols like sunrises, olive branches, and flowers amidst the turbulent skies suggest that hope persists and can bring rejuvenation and positivity, inspiring viewers to maintain faith and optimism. Applicability The teaching of "Spes ultima dea" is profoundly applicable to personal life. In challenging situations, remembering that hope is the last to leave can provide comfort and motivation to keep striving, even when circumstances seem bleak. It’s a call to maintain optimism and continue efforts toward desired outcomes. Impact “Spes ultima dea” has had a significant impact on literature and philosophy, often cited in contexts discussing human endurance and optimism. Its widespread usage in classical literature has influenced modern languages and idiomatic expressions about hope. Historical Context This phrase originates from the classical antiquity period, likely during the Roman Empire or earlier, reflecting the cultural and intellectual context of ancient Rome and Greece where personifications of abstract concepts like Hope (Spes) were common. Criticisms There are few criticisms or controversies directly related to the phrase itself, though some may argue that excessive reliance on hope can lead to inaction or unrealistic expectations. However, this is more about the interpretation rather than the phrase itself. Variations Variations of this phrase include different cultural interpretations of hope as a steadfast presence. In Greek mythology, Hope was left in Pandora’s box as a final gift to humanity, bearing similarities to this Latin maxim. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments Suae quisque fortunae faber. Appius Claudius Caecus Read more Sic transit gloria mundi. Christian Tradition Read more I cannot lose the only thing that keeps me alive: hope. A word that is often with us in the morning, gets wounded throughout the day, and dies at dusk, but resurrects with the dawn. Popular culture Read more Perseverando vinces. Popular culture Read more Aquila non capit muscas. Popular culture Read more Nemo propheta in patria. Jesus Christ Read more Ubi bene, ibi patria. Roman Historians and Philosophers Read more Qui nescit tacere, nescit loqui. Popular culture Read more Certus anceps. Popular culture Read more You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. Sign in with: or with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Sign up. Previous Close
I cannot lose the only thing that keeps me alive: hope. A word that is often with us in the morning, gets wounded throughout the day, and dies at dusk, but resurrects with the dawn. Popular culture Read more