Etymology of Motto
The term “motto” traces its etymological roots to the Italian word “motto,” meaning a brief expression or saying. It originated in the late 16th century and was initially used to denote a short, memorable phrase or sentence expressing a guiding principle or rule of behavior.
The concept expanded beyond Italy during the Renaissance, gaining prominence in heraldry and personal insignia. The term’s evolution reflects its adaptation into various languages, each retaining the essence of a concise, emblematic expression. Over time, mottos have become synonymous with succinct declarations encapsulating an individual’s or institution’s values, aspirations, or beliefs, serving as rallying cries or symbolic statements that endure as verbal insignia.
Definition of Motto
A motto, as a literary device, is a succinct and memorable phrase or expression that encapsulates the guiding principles, beliefs, or ideals of an individual, organization, or movement. Often serving as a form of symbolic shorthand, mottos convey essential themes or values with brevity, contributing to the rhetorical impact of a message. Through their concise and evocative nature, mottos can function as powerful tools in literature, providing a focused and memorable representation of underlying themes or philosophies within a broader context.
Types of Motto
| Type | Explanation | Example from Literature |
| Inspirational Mottos: | Designed to motivate and uplift, these mottos aim to inspire individuals or groups to achieve their goals or overcome challenges. | In The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner, the motto “Pursue happiness relentlessly” serves as an inspirational guide. |
| Educational Mottos: | Found in educational institutions, these mottos often encapsulate the mission, values, or educational philosophy of a school or university. | The motto “Lux et Veritas” (Light and Truth) is the educational motto of Yale University. |
| National Mottos: | Adopted by countries, national mottos encapsulate the essence, ideals, or aspirations of a nation, often found on official emblems or documents. | The national motto of the United States, “In God We Trust,” reflects a foundational aspect of the country’s values. |
| Family Motto: | Unique to individual families, these mottos convey the core values, principles, or identity of a family unit. | In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the Weasley family’s motto is “Decent people are so easy to manipulate.” |
| Corporate Motto: | Used by businesses and organizations, corporate mottos encapsulate the company’s mission, values, or brand identity. | Nike’s corporate motto, “Just Do It,” is a globally recognized and inspirational slogan. |
| Historical Motto: | Associated with historical movements or figures, these mottos convey the ethos or principles of a specific time period or cultural movement. | The French Revolution’s motto, “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” (Liberty, equality, fraternity), reflects its guiding principles. |
| Religious Mottos: | Found in religious texts or used by religious groups, these mottos encapsulate key beliefs, doctrines, or guiding principles. | The Christian motto “In hoc signo vinces” (In this sign, you will conquer) is associated with religious symbolism and beliefs. |
| Personal Mottos: | Individualized expressions that capture a person’s beliefs, philosophy, or approach to life, often serving as a personal mantra. | Ralph Waldo Emerson’s personal motto, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,” reflects his individualistic philosophy. |
| Military Motto: | Adopted by military units or branches, these mottos embody the spirit, values, or history of a specific military group. | The U.S. Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful), reflects the loyalty and commitment of the Marines. |
| Political Motto: | Associated with political movements or ideologies, these mottos succinctly express the principles or goals of a political entity. | The political motto “Workers of the world, unite!” is associated with Marxist ideology and the call for global solidarity. |
Common Examples of Mottos
- Inspirational Motto:
- “Believe in yourself.”
- “Seize the day.”
- “Never give up.”
- Educational Motto:
- “Learn, lead, succeed.”
- “Knowledge is power.”
- “Education for a better future.”
- National Motto:
- “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of many, one) – United States
- “Unity in Diversity” – India
- “Advance Australia Fair” – Australia
- Family Mottos:
- “Family first.”
- “Love and laughter.”
- “Together we stand.”
- Corporate Mottos:
- “Just Do It” – Nike
- “Think Different” – Apple
- “The Ultimate Driving Machine” – BMW
- Historical Mottos:
- “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” (Liberty, equality, fraternity) – French Revolution
- “Give me liberty, or give me death!” – Patrick Henry
- “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) – Julius Caesar
- Religious Mottos:
- “In God We Trust” – U.S. currency
- “God is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23
- “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” – Christian teaching
- Personal Mottos:
- “Live life to the fullest.”
- “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Do what you love; love what you do.”
- Military Mottos:
- “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful) – U.S. Marine Corps
- “This We’ll Defend” – U.S. Army
- “Hooah!” – U.S. Army expression of enthusiasm
- Political Mottos:
- “Yes, we can.” – Barack Obama’s campaign slogan
- “Workers of the world, unite!” – Communist Manifesto
- “Make America Great Again” – Donald Trump’s campaign slogan
These examples showcase the versatility of motto, as they permeate various facets of daily life, providing succinct expressions of values, aspirations, and ideologies.
Shakespearean Mottos
- “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
- From Hamlet, this soliloquy reflects on the nature of existence and the contemplation of life and death.
- “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
- This line from As You Like It compares life to a theatrical performance, expressing the idea that individuals play various roles throughout their lives.
- “This above all: to thine own self be true.”
- From Hamlet, Polonius imparts this advice to his son Laertes, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-honesty.
- “The better part of Valour, is Discretion.”
- Found in Henry IV, Part 1, this line suggests that courage is often best combined with careful judgment.
- “All that glitters is not gold.”
- Originating in The Merchant of Venice, this phrase cautions against judging things solely based on appearance.
- “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
- From Hamlet, this line is often used to express skepticism when someone vehemently denies something.
- “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
- Juliet’s reflection in Romeo and Juliet challenges the significance of names, arguing that the essence of a thing is more important than its label.
While these aren’t traditional motto, the enduring wisdom and eloquence of Shakespeare’s language have led many of his lines to be adopted and adapted as proverbial expressions in contemporary English.
Suggested Readings
- Burke, Kenneth. A Rhetoric of Motives. University of California Press, 1969.
- Culler, Jonathan. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 1997.
- Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell, 2008.
- Fish, Stanley. Is There a Text in This Class?: The Authority of Interpretive Communities. Harvard University Press, 1982.
- Genette, Gérard. Paratexts: Thresholds of Interpretation. Cambridge University Press, 1997.
- Jauss, Hans Robert. Toward an Aesthetic of Reception. University of Minnesota Press, 1982.