The phrase "dulcius ex asperis" is Latin. And it can be translated to mean "sweeter after difficulties," or "after difficulty, sweetness" in English. In addition to being a compact phrase where three words end up saying a lot, it is also has its place in Scottish culture and is often cited by individuals who have overcome hardship to find a satisfying award.
Clan Fergusson
The motto of Scottish clan Fergusson is "Dulcius Ex Asperis.” Clan Fergusson, also called the Sons of Fergus, has this as their motto, as every Scottish clan has its own motto along with a unique crest, plaid and war cry. Comedian and late night talk show host Craig Ferguson has this Scottish motto as a tattoo.
Dulcius
The Latin word "dulcius" means sweetness. Words such as Spanish and Italian word “dulce” shares the same root, and also mean ‘sweet.” Sweetness here can mean happiness, a satisfying goal, a pleasant outcome, a desired effect.
Ex
The Latin preposition "ex" can mean both “after” and “from.” This means the phrase “dulcius ex asperis” can be translated correctly as both “from difficulty, sweetness” and “sweeter after difficulty.” These subtleties can lend to different meanings of the Latin phrase.
Asperis
The Latin noun “asperis” means “difficulty.” It is the object of the preposition "ex" in this phrase. Difficulties are something that make things not easy, such as an obstacle, something requiring perseverance, or other effort.
From Difficulty…
If you translate “dulcius ex asperis” to mean “from difficulty, sweetness,” your emphasis is on the "from difficulty." It can mean that the sweetness is derived only because it is difficult. Sweetness is not something that comes easy, in other words. But you must work with difficulty to get to it.
Sweeter After
If you translate “dulcius ex asperis to mean “sweeter after difficulty,” you can infer the phrase as the sentence “There will be sweetness after difficulty.” It is as though difficulty must be endured, and then sweetness will come after. There is an assumption that the passage of time may be difficult, that one comes after the other, with the sweetness at the end.
Interpretations
“Dulcius ex asperis” is a creed appropriate for those who believe working through difficult situations will in turn lead to happier, sweeter situations. Or it is a phrase good for those who believe that the more difficult something is, the more satisfaction we can take in having triumphed over it, that the victory over difficulty is sweeter than a goal achieved without difficulty.
Catherine Galioto - Catherine Galioto is a Jersey Shore native who enjoys writing on a variety of topics. She has been published in online and local print ...
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