Tempus fugit

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Tempus fugit, addressing its most relevant and significant aspects. From its origins to its impact today, we will dive into an exhaustive analysis of Tempus fugit, delving into its implications and scope over time. Through this journey, we aim to shed light on Tempus fugit, offering a comprehensive and enriching vision for all those interested in acquiring greater knowledge about this topic. Thus, we will embark on an exciting and revealing journey, which will allow us to understand the importance of Tempus fugit in contemporary society and its relevance in various areas of daily life.

A winged hourglass representing time flying, designed for gravestones and monuments

Tempus fugit (Classical Latin pronunciation: [ˈt̪ɛmpʊs̠ ˈfʊɡit̪]) is a Latin phrase, usually translated into English as "time flies". The expression comes from line 284 of book 3 of Virgil's Georgics, where it appears as fugit irreparabile tempus: "it escapes, irretrievable time". The phrase is used in both its Latin and English forms as a proverb that "time's a-wasting".

Usage

An example of the phrase as a sundial motto in Redu, Belgium.

Tempus fugit is typically employed as an admonition against sloth and procrastination (cf. carpe diem) rather than an argument for licentiousness (cf. "gather ye rosebuds while ye may"); the English form is often merely descriptive: "time flies like the wind", "time flies when you're having fun".

The phrase is a common motto, particularly on sundials and clocks. It also has been used on gravestones.

Some writers have attempted rebuttals: "Time goes, you say? Ah, no! alas, time stays, we go." by Henry Austin Dobson (1840–1921)."Hêd Amser! / Meddi Na! / Erys Amser / Dyn Â" on sundial at Univ of Bangor, North Wales. says the sundial was commissioned by Sir William Henry Preece, and offers an English equivalent: "Time flies, thou sayest - Nay! Man flies; Time still doth stay." Another English version is: "Time Flies, Say Not So: Time Remains,'Tis Man Must Go."

Bud Powell's composition "Tempus Fugue-it" is a pun on the phrase.

As a font placeholder

The phrase "Tempus Fugit When you're having fun! Deipnophobia 26 Synthesizers relevant to proprioception Rodomontade is my favorite. Means boastful." is commonly used as placeholder text for showcasing fonts, similar to Lorem ipsum.

In the Georgics

The phrase's full appearance in Virgil's Georgics is:

Original
(Virgil)
Translation
(Dryden)
Translation
(Rhoades)
Omne adeo genus in terris hominumque ferarumque Thus every Creature , and of every Kind ,
The secret Joys of sweet Coition find :
Not only Man's Imperial Race ; . . .
Nay, every race on earth of men, and beasts,
et genus aequoreum, pecudes pictaeque volucres,             . . . but they
That wing the liquid Air ; or swim the Sea ,
Or haunt the Desart , . . .
And ocean-folk, and flocks, and painted birds,
in furias ignemque ruunt: amor omnibus idem. ...             . . . rush into the flame :
For Love is Lord of all ; and is in all the same .
Rush to the raging fire: love sways them all.
Sed fugit interea, fugit inreparabile tempus, But time is lost , which never will renew , Fast flies meanwhile the irreparable hour,
singula dum capti circumvectamur amore. While we too far the pleasing Path pursue ;
Surveying Nature , with too nice a view .
As point to point our charmed round we trace.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Vergilius Maro, Publius. Georgicon, III. c. 29 BC. Hosted at Wikisource. (in Latin)
  2. ^ Dryden, John (trans.). The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis, 3rd ed., Vol. I, pp. 163–166. Jacob Tonson (London), 1709. Hosted at Google Books. Accessed 30 May 2014.
  3. ^ Rhoades, James (trans.). Bucolics, Aeneid, and Georgics of Vergil. Ginn & Co. (Boston), 1900. Hosted at MIT. Accessed 30 May 2014.

External links