An Atheist at University of Aberdeen.

[JAStewart]

I'm an atheist at the university of aberdeen, in Scotland, and today I just realised that the motto of our university is:

Initium sapientiae timor domini (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

What! That is the most outrageous motto in the world. I am going to write to the university director to find out why it hasn't been changed recently to be relevant to LOGIC.

Seriously though, are your university motto's religious?

[boloboffin]

Just change "LORD" in your mind to "Unpredictable randomness of the universe", because that's all the original authors meant in the long run.

ETA: No, I don't know what predictable randomness looks like.

[ImaginalDisc]

Nope, I really like my school's motto: "Spes Scientia Facultas," "Hope, Knowledge, & Opportunity." A fitting motto for a public university.

Or mascot on the other hand, is dumb. A Florida Panther? It's going extinct, and there's nothing to be done about it.

[Big Les]

My university's was semper in excreta, sumus solum profundum variat. Not really, but it should have been.

[Fnord]

Initium sapientiae timor domini (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

What gets me about such quotes is that only portions of the original are taken, and those are usually taken out of context.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." -- Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)

IMHO, the second half of the proverb should be included with the rest of the motto. At least, carve the second half by itself above every door on campus.

The motto of my Alma Mater, Michigan State University, is:

"Advancing Knowledge and Transforming Lives.”

If my rusty Latin translates well, then it comes out as:

"Provectus Scientia quod Verto Ago."

My family's motto is "Semper Vigilantis" or "Always Watchful," and has been since about 1066, when my baltic ancestors were hired to fight for William the Conqueror.

[Fnord]

I just re-read the OP (so much for "Ever Watchful"), and saw that the word is "Wisdom," not knowledge. My mistake. Here are the relevant verses:

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." -- Psalms 111:10

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." -- Proverbs 9:10

Similar, but not the same:

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." -- Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility." -- Proverbs 15:33

My mistake, but I still agree with the part about fools hating wisdom and instruction.

[Rasmus]

"Innovation and Excellence", as simple as that.

[Alice Shortcake]

I went to the University of Life - no motto! :)

[Madalch]

I'm an atheist at the university of aberdeen, in Scotland, and today I just realised that the motto of our university is:

Initium sapientiae timor domini (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

What! That is the most outrageous motto in the world. I am going to write to the university director to find out why it hasn't been changed recently to be relevant to LOGIC.
Since the university was founded by a bishop, what do you expect?
Or are you one of those fellows who think that institutions should be modernized and reinvented every decade or two, and stripped of all history, heritage, and tradition along the way?

[Rasmus]

Since the university was founded by a bishop, what do you expect?
Or are you one of those fellows who think that institutions should be modernized and reinvented every decade or two, and stripped of all history, heritage, and tradition along the way?

If part of that tradition is likely to alienate parts of the members of said institution for no good reason: Yes!

This motto basicially tells atheists (and by implication all those believing in the wrong sort of god) that they are inferior to the good christian students.

[NobbyNobbs]

If part of that tradition is likely to alienate parts of the members of said institution for no good reason: Yes!

This motto basicially tells atheists (and by implication all those believing in the wrong sort of god) that they are inferior to the good christian students.

It may not be as effective as you think. Go around and take a poll. See how many people happen to know the school's motto off the top of their head.


I've been trying to think of mine for a few minutes now, and I'm coming up blank. Which means that if my school's motto is religious in nature (and it probably is; I went to an Augustinian school), it had absolutely no effect on me whatsoever.

[Big Les]

Since the university was founded by a bishop, what do you expect?
Or are you one of those fellows who think that institutions should be modernized and reinvented every decade or two, and stripped of all history, heritage, and tradition along the way?

You know, I don't think he was being entirely serious. ;)

Having said that making a change to a motto wouldn't necessarily involve stripping the institution of all "history, heritage etc". After all, we've progressed enough to allow women to attend higher education - if society comes to reflect largely atheist beliefs, why not make a change to keep a motto meaningful?

[Rasmus]

It may not be as effective as you think. Go around and take a poll. See how many people happen to know the school's motto off the top of their head.

I had to look up mine. I was kinda ware of the general tone, but the precise wording escaped me. Yes, I am getting old ...


I've been trying to think of mine for a few minutes now, and I'm coming up blank. Which means that if my school's motto is religious in nature (and it probably is; I went to an Augustinian school), it had absolutely no effect on me whatsoever.

Well, yeah. I could have lived with a religious motto too. But that doesn't change the message, does it?

[grayman]

Mine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Massachusetts_Amherst):

Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem; "By the sword we seek peace; but peace only under liberty"

[Big Les]

Just looked up my real (Exeter, UK) university's motto - I had no idea what it was when I was there, or until this moment. But it's actually pretty cool;

Lucem sequimur (We follow the light)

[Gord_in_Toronto]

My high school -- Corpi Mento Moribus (Body, Mind and Soul?).

After an intense amount of Googling I can't find the motto of my University. Though I am sure it had one.

[UncaStuart]

I expect that the University of California's motto, Fiat Lux (let there be light/let light be made), carried a religious/secular double meaning when the university was founded in 1868, but I also expect that the secular meaning of seeking enlightement/knowledge/wisdom is the one that comes first to mind today.

[Arkan_Wolfshade]

I expect that the University of California's motto, Fiat Lux (let there be light/let light be made), carried a religious/secular double meaning when the university was founded in 1868, but I also expect that the secular meaning of seeking enlightement/knowledge/wisdom is the one that comes first to mind today.
University of Akron in Ohio has the same.

[Big Les]

If you live in Europe, "Fiat Lux" sounds like a small family car :D

[Fnord]

Initium sapientiae timor domini (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

What! That is the most outrageous motto in the world. I am going to write to the university director to find out why it hasn't been changed recently to be relevant to LOGIC.


The Free Dictionary (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Lord) has these definitions for the word "Lord":

A man of high rank in a feudal society or in one that retains feudal forms and institutions, especially a king, a territorial magnate, and the proprietor of a manor.

A member of the House of Lords.

The general masculine title of nobility and other rank, such as a marquis, an earl, or a viscount; a baron; a younger son of a duke or marquis; as a title for certain high officials and dignitaries: Lord Chamberlain; the Lord Mayor of London; and as a title for a bishop.

The usual deifics of God and the Christian Jesus.

And other honorific terms are:

- man of renowned power or authority.
- A man who has mastery in a given field or activity.
- The male head of a household.*
- A husband.*

(* - Ladies, I only report this stuff, I don't write it!)

So, if you ignore all the religious overtones, you could say that:

"The fear of Authority is the beginning of Wisdom."

(This comes out as "Initium Sapientiae Timor Auctorita" though...)

I mean, you would not want to incite the anger of someone who could, theoretically, lock you up and throw away the key, right?

[fishbob]

"Knowledge is Good"

[wollery]

Okay, my Universities, in order;

University of Westminster (I sat my A levels at a college of further ed which got taken over by the University halfway through the year I was there) - Educating for professional life. How boring. :rolleyes:

University of Reading, appears not to have a motto. :nope:

Queen Mary College, University of London - Coniunctis Viribus - With United Powers. I can live with that.

University of London, Institute of Education, also apparently has no motto. :rolleyes:

Liverpool John Moores University - Audentes Fortuna Juvat - Fortune assists the bold. Now that one I like! :)

University of Liverpool (I didn't study there, but I taught undergrad labs*) - Haec otia studia fovent - these days of peace foster learning. Wow, that's a pretty cool motto. Not sure what it's in reference to, I see some more research in the near future.




*If anyone asks why the University have dogs on their undergrad courses I'll slap them with a wet kipper!

[TX50]

Hey min!
I am an anti-theist/apatheist. I did both a BSc (Hons) and MSc at
Aberdeen University. I was also born and raised in Aberdeen. To me
your "most outrageous motto in the world" is just a part of the
rich (and rather colourful) history of our distinguished and world-
renowned seat of learning. To me it's biblical provenance seems fitting,
considering the university's origin as a seat of ecclesiastical (and legal)
study. Its meaning had absolutely no effect whatsoever on my conduct
or motivation while I was there (or anyone else's, I'm sure). I certainly
wasn't ever "outraged" by it.

In any case, I suspect I only know the motto because I took an interest
in history. How did you "just find out"? I'd bet that not many actually know
what the motto is (without having to be "reminded"), that not many frankly
could give a crap about the motto and that not many even know enough
Latin to translate it in the first place.

BTW Since we're on mottos, I should say that my all time favourite motto is
"Who dares wins". I never served in that regiment, but I did have to
clean up after them a few times.

[flume]

"Communism, Atheism, Free Love"

(unofficial motto; I don't know the official one if any)

[Babylon Sister]

University of Oregon: Mens Agitat Molem

Quack!

[Mashuna]

Ut Vitam Habeant — 'so that they may have life'. (Leicester University, founded after WWI)
"To learn, to do, to achieve." Greenwich University

[quixotecoyote]

Mine at MSU is the lamest yet:

"Where students come first!"

Yes, the exclamation point is part of the motto.

ugh

[ravdin]

University of Pennsylvania: Leges sine moribus vanae (Laws without morals are useless). It's one I actually agree with.

[Madalch]

Mine at MSU is the lamest yet:

"Where students come first!"

Yes, the exclamation point is part of the motto.

You (or your university) do realize that there's a difference between a motto and a marketing slogan, right?

The college I work at doesn't have a motto (yet); the university I graduated from (the University of Alberta) has the motto "Quecumque Vera" (Whatsoever things are true).

[quixotecoyote]

You (or your university) do realize that there's a difference between a motto and a marketing slogan, right?

The college I work at doesn't have a motto (yet); the university I graduated from (the University of Alberta) has the motto "Quecumque Vera" (Whatsoever things are true).

Well, we do have a very good Communication program.

I think the problem comes from not knowing when to turn it off.

[Tsukasa Buddha]

"AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM" (for the greater glory of God)

Though I prefer our unofficial tag line:

Ite Incendite - "Go set the world aflame"

That's for real :D . The Jesuits are pretty crazy.

[Taffer]

My uni's motto is "Sapere Aude", or "Dare to be Wise". I kinda like that. :D

[timhau]

If I'm ever to found an university, the motto will be "Party like it's 1999".

Yeah, I want a large freshman class every year.

The motto of my university is Vapaan kansan lahja vapaalle tieteelle, Finnish for "A gift from a free people to free science"; the university was founded 3 years after our declaration of independence, using money from over 20,000 donors.

[Darat]

You (or your university) do realize that there's a difference between a motto and a marketing slogan, right?

...snip...

What is that difference in the context of a motto?

[Seismosaurus]

Mine is "Learn and Serve" - I like it!

[malbui]

My school motto was Olim meminisse juvabit which is a bit of Virgil I always struggled to parse but works out at something like "it will be a pleasure to look back at one day".

My university's motto was Nid byd byd heb wybodaeth, which I always took to mean "A life without learning is no life", an entirely reasonable statement. But my Welsh was always substandard so I'm happy to be corrected.

[Bethany]

I can't find a motto for my current university, but that could be because its webpage is hopelessly disorganized.

My undergraduate university, the University of Vermont's motto is: "studiis et rebus honestis," "For Things and Studies That Are Honest." Kind of vague, but at least it's not offensive.

[Lothian]

I am surprised Aberdeen university has it’s own motto, I would have thought it would have borrowed one from somewhere else.

[Big Les]

Ut Vitam Habeant — 'so that they may have life'. (Leicester University, founded after WWI)

Ooh, ooh, I went there as well! Can't stand the Midlands, personally, but good times were had.

That's two universities, and two mottos I had no clue about until I googled them this week. How embarassing.

[Uncle Vanya]

My university has the lamest motto ever.... "Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine"

Manly deeds, womanly words.

At least its not religious... I guess, but sometimes I think it'd be better if it was.

[Rolfe]

School (in Glasgow) was "Veritas".

Expanded when going to the university to "Via, Veritas, Vita" - "the way, the truth and the life", and if you don't know that's religious, you're only half-educated.

But the city motto - "Let Glasgow Flourish". Sounds secular? Not a bit of it. Full version "Let Glasgow Flourish by the Preaching of Thy Word and the Praising of Thy Name".

So there.

Rolfe.

[Phrost]

I'd go to a school with the motto Sic Semper Tyrannosaurous in a heartbeat.

This post has no merit whatsoever and I should probably get back to work.

[Nancarrow]

If only my university's motto had been "Read a damn book already!" instead of "Hinc lucem et pocula sacra"*, I'm sure I'd have got a first instead of a third. Stupid bastids.





*Yeah I had to look it up. It's really rather crap isn't it?

[Andronicus]

Lut et Lex

Light & Law

Refers to Benjamin Franklin & Justice John Marshall. (Franklin & Marshall College).

Always loved it.

[666]

School (in Glasgow) was "Veritas".
Ahh. Hutcheson's. Boo.

Ex-Allan Glen's here. While the place was still good. Decent skeptic motto, though: Cum Scientia Humanitas (Science with Humanity)

[Big Les]

School (in Glasgow) was "Veritas".

Expanded when going to the university to "Via, Veritas, Vita" - "the way, the truth and the life", and if you don't know that's religious, you're only half-educated.

Bit harsh, don't you think? I expect there are quite a few youngsters who've never come across that phrase in its original context, and that's one bit of ignorance I won't lose any sleep over.

But the city motto - "Let Glasgow Flourish". Sounds secular? Not a bit of it. Full version "Let Glasgow Flourish by the Preaching of Thy Word and the Praising of Thy Name".

No comment!

[linusrichard]

The motto of my Alma Mater, Michigan State University, is:

"Advancing Knowledge and Transforming Lives.”



That's me too. Go Spartans! But I don't care for the motto. It doesn't sound very 1855 if you know what I mean. I wonder what the original motto was.

[sol invictus]

"Communism, Atheism, Free Love"

(unofficial motto; I don't know the official one if any)

Aha - a fellow Reedie!

[timhau]

My university has the lamest motto ever.... "Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine"

Manly deeds, womanly words.

At least its not religious... I guess, but sometimes I think it'd be better if it was.

Uh... is there a story behind the motto that would help it make sense? Or is your institution devoted to teaching students to drink beer and watch sports while they talk about interior decoration in a high-pitched voice?

[Mashuna]

Ooh, ooh, I went there as well! Can't stand the Midlands, personally, but good times were had.

That's two universities, and two mottos I had no clue about until I googled them this week. How embarassing.

I wouldn't be too embarrassed, wiki was my friend in this.

[SomeGuy]

I had to look up my university's motto on wikipedia:

'VERBUM DOMINI LUCERNA PEDIBUS NOSTRIS' (The word of the Lord is a light for our feet)

Which is still the official motto, thought it's no longer in use on any documentation etc from the university, the active (though not as official) one at the moment is: "Working on the edge of knowledge".

Which sounds so much like a marketing sentence that I, as an atheistic secular humanist, almost wished they would go back to the old christian one.

[Gib]

My religious high school's motto was "through shadows and images to truth".

Which is pretty fitting. While there, I was taught religion, but by myself, managed to come through it into reality.