This post will not focus so much on modern politics or United States history, however, it is very relevant to both modern conservatives and the American education system. Perhaps you have read our article about the failure of the education system, but if you missed it, here is a link. This post is basically an addendum to that one, focussing on two key latin phrases that I believe everyone should know.

https://libertyandlogic.com/2016/09/15/the-education-system-has-failed-teaching-kids-what-to-think-not-how/

Sapere Aude

This latin phrase translates directly into “dare to know”. It is largely associated with the Age of Enlightenment during the 17th and 18th centuries, but it originally showed up in literature well before that (Wikipedia). But let’s digest this even more, because as conservatives, we strive for knowledge.

Dare to be wise. Dare to stand out in a crowd. Dare to be in opposition to the status quo. In an age with plentiful liberal distractions, dare to argue, debate, and research issues. Dare to learn more about the world around you, about politics, science, philosophy, religion, art, and literature. Dare to engage in informed dialogue about your beliefs, and conform your beliefs to evidence. Dare to be a conservative in a time where our numbers are dwindling. I implore everyone to care about the issues, and don’t worry about what others think of you. Pursuing knowledge and truth should be our ultimate goal in life, and as conservatives, we should strive for this in every way, shape, and form.

Nullius in Verba

This latin phrase is actually the Royal Society’s motto (Wikipedia). It literally translates to “nothing in words”, but it actually has a much deeper meaning.

“Nothing in words” also means “take the word of no one” or “take nobody’s word for it”. But that still has a deeper meaning. It means to question authority, to see and find things out for yourself, to research on your own and come to your own conclusions. Question all authority, demand evidence and think critically about the issues, whether it be politics, science, art, literature, or religion. Take nobody’s word for it, because in the age of information, there are so many voices to listen to. Perform experiments on your own, research on your own, and make your own decisions about your views. Justify your claims with evidence. Question everything. All of this is very relevant to politics as well. We have so many in authority, whether it be governors, senators, justices, congressmen, candidates, or the president himself.

If there is one thing to take out of this article, it is to think for yourself. Do not let the education system indoctrinate you into thinking a specific way. Be open to other viewpoints, and evaluate everything critically. Too many times schools teach our children what to think, not how to think.

Author: Joe Schmid

Questions? Ask away at josephschmid4@gmail.com

Works Cited

“Sapere Aude.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapere_aude&gt;.

“Nullius in Verba.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nullius_in_verba&gt;.

Picture is labeled “free to use, share or modify, even commercially”. This is not our own picture, and the website does not endorse ours in any way. There was one change made to this picture and that was to make it smaller. URL:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Sapere_avde.jpg)