Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est
“The reward of all virtues lies in themselves.”
Seneca, Epistulae morales 81
What does “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est” mean?
Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est translates as “The reward of all virtues lies in themselves.”
Virtue is its own reward: we do good not for prizes but because goodness is worth having. It is a core idea of Stoic ethics.
“Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Virtutum | of the virtues | genitive plural of virtus, “virtue”; here it depends on pretium |
| omnium | of all | genitive plural of omnis, “all”; agrees with virtutum |
| pretium | reward, price | nominative singular neuter of pretium, “price, reward”; the subject of the sentence |
| in | in, within | preposition taking the ablative here, meaning “in” |
| ipsis | themselves | ablative plural of ipse, “self”, used as a pronoun; refers back to the virtues |
| est | is, lies | third person singular present of sum, “I am”; here “is” in the sense of “lies” |
How to pronounce “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est”
Classical Latin says v as w and keeps the t of pretium plain; Church Latin says v as v and ti before a vowel as tsee (PREH-tsee-oom). Stress falls on the second syllable of virtutum and on the first of omnium, pretium and ipsis.
The story behind it
Word for word the line says “of all virtues the reward is in themselves”. The sense is that goodness pays its own wages: the person who acts well already has what the act was for.
The sentence comes from Seneca’s Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 81, a letter on benefits and gratitude. Seneca adds that the virtues are not practised for a prize, and that the reward of a right action is to have done it (recte facti fecisse merces est).
The idea is central to Stoic ethics, which held that virtue is the only true good and needs no outside prize. The line is sometimes credited to Epictetus, but he taught in Greek, and the Latin wording is Seneca’s own.
How to use “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est”
A fitting motto for a volunteer, teacher, nurse or anyone who works without applause. It also suits an essay on Stoic ethics or on why people act well when no one is watching.
- Latin
- Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est
- English
- The reward of all virtues lies in themselves.
- Source
- Seneca, Epistulae morales 81
- Era
- Classical
- Theme
- Virtue
Common mistakes
- Do not credit it to Epictetus. The Latin sentence is from Seneca’s Letter 81.
- Virtutum is plural and genitive, so the sense is “of the virtues”. The singular virtutis would change the meaning to “of virtue”.
- Ipsis means “in themselves” and refers back to the virtues. It does not mean “in these people”.
- Pretium can mean “price” as well as “reward”. Here “reward” is the sense, not a cost to be paid.
Questions about “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est”
What does “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est” mean literally?
“Of all virtues the reward is in themselves.” In plain English: virtue is its own reward, and good deeds need no prize from outside.
Who said “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est”?
Seneca, in his Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 81. It is sometimes credited to Epictetus, but he wrote in Greek.
How do you pronounce “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est”?
Classical: wir-TOO-toom OM-nee-oom PREH-tee-oom in IP-sees est. Church: veer-TOO-toom OM-nee-oom PREH-tsee-oom in IP-sees est.
Is “Virtutum omnium pretium in ipsis est” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is Seneca’s own wording: a genitive plural phrase, a neuter subject and a plain verb.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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