Greek original · Wisdom
Πάθει μάθος
Pathei mathos
“Learning through suffering.”
Aeschylus, Agamemnon 177
Meaning
What does “Pathei mathos” mean?
Hard experiences teach lessons that comfort never could. Wisdom often comes through pain.
Origin
The story behind it
In Aeschylus’ tragedy Agamemnon (458 BC), the chorus sings that Zeus has set down this law for humankind: understanding comes through suffering.
Greek and Latin
From Greek to Latin
The Greek originalΠάθει μάθος
Pathei mathos
In Latin
There is no single standard Latin form; a similar Latin proverb is quae nocent, docent – "what hurts, teaches".
Pronunciation
How to say it
Roughly PA-thay MA-thos.
When to use it
How to use it today
A powerful tattoo or journal motto for someone who has come through a hard time.
- Greek
- Πάθει μάθος
- Transliteration
- Pathei mathos
- English
- Learning through suffering.
- Source
- Aeschylus, Agamemnon 177
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