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What does Laetus in Praesens mean?

April 26, 2017laetus mean praesens

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What does Laetus in Praesens mean?

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The phrase was used by the Renaissance figure Marsilio Ficino (1433-99) who headed the Florentine Academy (motto: Laetus in Praesens [Joy in the Present]). It derives from an ode by the Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Ode II-XVI “Otium”) indicating that “otium” or peace is to be valued above wealth or power: Laetus in praesens animus quod ultra est oderit curare et amara lento temperet risu. Nihil est ab omni parte beatum. Joyful let the soul be in the present, let it disdain to trouble about what is beyond and temper bitterness with a laugh. Nothing is blessed forever. For other comments on this epicurean notion, see: Thomas Moore, The Soul of Sex: Cultivating Life as an Act of Love (1998) and Composing the Present Moment: celebrating the insights of Marsilio Ficino interpreted by Thomas Moore (2001).