Latin quote · Learning
Libido sciendi
“The desire to know.”
Philosophical term (Augustinian tradition)
Translation
What does “Libido sciendi” mean?
Libido sciendi translates as “The desire to know.”
It names the passion for knowledge. It can be praised as curiosity or warned against as restless, endless craving.
Origin
The story behind it
Augustine discussed curiosity as a form of desire, and the term ‘libido sciendi’ was later used by thinkers such as Pascal alongside the desire to dominate and the desire of the senses.
When to use it
How to use “Libido sciendi”
A fitting name for a book club, research blog or curious student’s notebook.
- Latin
- Libido sciendi
- English
- The desire to know.
- Source
- Philosophical term (Augustinian tradition)
- Era
- Late Antiquity
- Theme
- Learning
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