There’s an old saying in Latin that goes, “Fac si facis.” Loosely translated, it means “Do it if you’re going to do it.” In other words, if you’re going to start something, see it through to the end.
This is good advice for many situations in life. For example, if you’re considering starting a new business, make sure you’re prepared to put in the hard work and dedication required to make it successful. The same goes for relationships: if you’re not ready to commit, then don’t start something you can’t finish.
In short, “Fac si facis” is a reminder to think carefully before taking any action, because once you start down a path, there’s no turning back.
The Origin of Fac Si Facis
The phrase is believed to originate from the Roman poet Horace, who used it in his satires to poke fun at politicians who made grand promises but never followed through on them. Today, the phrase is still used as a way to call out empty words and Actions that don’t match up. In a world where everyone seems to be all talk and no action, the saying “fac si facis” serves as a timely reminder that we should all put our money where our mouth is.
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Understanding the Fac Si Facis
This expression can be used as both an exhortation and a warning. When used as an exhortation, it encourages someone to take action instead of just talking about doing something. For example, if you’ve been saying that you’re going to start exercising but haven’t actually gotten around to it, your friend might tell you “fac si facis.” This translation of the phrase would mean something like “get off your butt and do it already!”
On the other hand, the phrase can also be used as a warning. If someone is talking about doing something dangerous or harmful, they may be told “fac si facis” as a way of telling them that they will be held responsible for their actions. In this case, the phrase means something like “if you do it, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Whether it’s used as encouragement or warning, “fac si facis” is a helpful Latin expression to know.
How to Apply Fac Si Facis in Your Life
One way to put the principle of “Fac si facis” into practice is by being more mindful about the commitments you make. When you say yes to something, make sure you’re prepared to see it through before agreeing to take it on. This will help ensure that you don’t bite off more than you can chew and end up overwhelmed or burned out.
It’s also important to be honest with yourself about your priorities and what you’re realistically able to handle at any given time. Just because someone asks you to do something doesn’t mean you have to say yes. It’s okay to put your own needs first and decline requests that would stretch you too thin.
Finally, remember that even if you do start something and then realize later on that you’re not able or willing to finish it, that’s okay! The most important thing is that you learn from the experience and use what you’ve learned to make better decisions in the future.
The next time you find yourself starting a new project or undertaking a new challenge, remember the Latin phrase “Fac si facis.” Do it if you’re going to do it–in other words, see it through to the end! This simple yet powerful reminder can help us stay focused and motivated when things get tough so that we can achieve our goals and reach our full potential.
