Words fly, writings remain.
Verba volant, scripta manent.
Meaning and origin
This proverb emphasizes the importance and permanence of written communication compared to spoken communication. The Latin original is "Verba volant, scripta manent". In some languages, there is another version of this proverb like: What is writ is writ
This proverb is of Latin origin and is often attributed to the Roman poet and philosopher Titus Livius (Livy). It highlights the idea that written words have a lasting impact and can be referenced and remembered long after they are written down, while spoken words can be easily forgotten or misinterpreted.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- One „Take it” is worth two „Thou shalt have it”.
- Never say never.
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- A living dog is better than a dead lion.
- Buy a pig in a poke.
- Have is have.
- Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
- He laughs best who laughs last.
- Night is the mother of counsel.
- For age and want save while you may; no morning sun lasts a whole day.
- Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
- To sell the bear's skin before one has caught the bear.
- Call no man happy till he dies.
- Drumming is not the way to catch a hare.
- Don't cross the bridge till you get to it.
- God sends a curst cow short horns.
- Honour the tree that gives you shelter.
- Every reed will not make a Pipe.
- If the lion's skin cannot, the fox's shall.
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in the same language
English
- The pen is mightier than the sword.
- What is writ is writ.
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
- Verba volant, scripta manent. Words fly, writings remain.
- Verba volant, littera scripta manent. Words fly, letters remain written.
- Scripta ferunt annos. They have been written for years.
French
- Les paroles s'en vont, les écrits restent. Words go, writings stay.
- Ce qui est écrit est écrit. What's written is written.
German
- Das Wort verhallt, die Schrift bleibt. The word fades away, the writing remains.
Czech
- Co je psáno, to je dáno. What is written is given.
- Napsané slovo zůstane. The written word will remain.