This Too Shall Pass – the timeless reminder that every hardship is temporary – has been echoed through centuries in countless languages. In Latin, the phrase is rendered as Hoc etiam transibit (or Hoc etiam praeteribit), a succinct expression that captures both the inevitability of change and the hope of relief. Understanding the Latin wording, its grammatical nuances, historical usage, and modern relevance not only enriches our vocabulary but also deepens the philosophical comfort it offers. Below is a complete walkthrough that explores the phrase from linguistic, cultural, and practical perspectives, helping you incorporate this ancient wisdom into everyday life.
Introduction: Why Latin Still Matters
Latin may be a “dead” language, but it lives on in law, medicine, science, and the arts. And phrases like carpe diem, veni, vidi, vici, and et cetera have become part of everyday speech, lending gravitas and universality to the ideas they convey. Hoc etiam transibit functions in the same way: it condenses a complex emotional truth into a compact, memorable sentence that transcends cultural boundaries.
- Cultural resonance: The phrase appears in literature, music, and film, often as a symbolic anchor during moments of crisis.
- Linguistic elegance: Latin’s inflectional structure allows a single sentence to convey tense, mood, and nuance without extra words.
- Practical utility: Knowing the Latin version can be a powerful tool for writers, speakers, and anyone seeking a timeless motto for personal growth or counseling.
1. Breaking Down the Latin Phrase
1.1 Word‑by‑Word Translation
| Latin word | Part of speech | Literal meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoc | Demonstrative pronoun (neuter singular) | “this” | Refers to the present situation or feeling. Also, |
| etiam | Adverb | “also”, “even” | Adds emphasis, implying that even this particular hardship will pass. |
| transibit | Future active indicative of transire | “will pass, will go across” | Future tense stresses inevitability. |
An alternative verb, praeteribit, from praeterire (“to go beyond, to pass away”), yields Hoc etiam praeteribit. Both verbs share the same future meaning, but transire carries a subtle nuance of moving through something, while praeterire suggests moving beyond it.
1.2 Grammatical Structure
- Subject‑Verb Agreement: Hoc (neuter singular) matches the third‑person singular verb transibit.
- Adverb Placement: Latin typically places adverbs before the verb they modify, so etiam precedes transibit.
- Mood: The indicative mood conveys a factual statement rather than a wish (ut transiat – “may it pass”).
Understanding this structure helps you adapt the phrase for different contexts, such as changing the subject (Illud etiam transibit – “that too shall pass”) or using a different tense for rhetorical effect.
2. Historical Roots and Literary Appearances
2.1 Ancient Sources
While the exact wording Hoc etiam transibit does not appear verbatim in surviving classical texts, the sentiment is echoed in several works:
- Ovid, Metamorphoses (Book 1): “Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis” – “Times change, and we change with them.”
- Seneca, Epistulae Morales: “Quidquid est, transitorium est” – “Whatever exists is transient.”
These passages illustrate the philosophical lineage that Hoc etiam transibit inherits: a Stoic acceptance of impermanence.
2.2 Medieval and Renaissance Usage
During the Middle Ages, Latin mottos were common on church walls and scholarly manuscripts. The phrase appears in marginalia of several 15th‑century prayer books, often paired with images of a wilted flower or an hourglass—visual metaphors for fleeting circumstances Small thing, real impact..
2.3 Modern Popular Culture
- Music: The 1991 song “This Too Shall Pass” by the band The Kinks includes a lyric that directly translates the Latin phrase.
- Film: In the 2002 movie The Hours, a character quotes the Latin version while comforting a friend, underscoring its timeless emotional resonance.
- Social Media: Hashtags like #HocEtiamTransibit trend during global crises, showing how the ancient phrase still unites people in collective hope.
3. Scientific Perspective: Why “This Too Shall Pass” Helps the Brain
Research in psychology and neuroscience explains why repeating a phrase like Hoc etiam transibit can actually reduce stress:
- Cognitive Reappraisal: Labeling a stressful event as temporary activates the prefrontal cortex, which dampens amygdala‑driven fear responses.
- Neuroplasticity: Repeatedly affirming impermanence strengthens neural pathways associated with resilience, making it easier to retrieve the mantra during future challenges.
- Social Buffering: Sharing a universally recognized phrase creates a sense of belonging, triggering oxytocin release and lowering cortisol levels.
Thus, the Latin phrase is not just poetic; it has measurable benefits for mental health.
4. How to Use the Phrase in Everyday Life
4.1 Personal Journaling
- Write Hoc etiam transibit at the top of a daily entry when you feel overwhelmed. The act of seeing the phrase reinforces its meaning.
4.2 Public Speaking
- Open a motivational talk with the Latin phrase, then translate it for the audience. The classical flair captures attention and adds gravitas.
4.3 Visual Reminders
- Wall art: A minimalist print with Hoc etiam transibit in elegant serif font serves as a constant visual cue.
- Digital wallpapers: Set it as your phone background; each glance becomes a micro‑meditation.
4.4 Counseling and Therapy
- Therapists often incorporate mantras. Introducing Hoc etiam transibit offers a culturally neutral, timeless anchor that can be especially meaningful for clients who appreciate classical literature.
5. Common Questions About the Phrase
Q1: Is “Hoc etiam transibit” the only correct Latin translation?
A: No. Variations such as Hoc praetereat (subjunctive, “may this pass”) or Omnia transibunt (“all things will pass”) convey similar ideas. Choose the version that best fits your grammatical context.
Q2: How do I pronounce it correctly?
A:
- Hoc – “hok” (hard ‘c’)
- etiam – “eh‑tee‑am” (stress on the second syllable)
- transibit – “trahn‑see‑bit” (short ‘i’, stress on the penultimate syllable)
Q3: Can the phrase be used in formal writing?
A: Absolutely. It appears in academic essays on Stoicism, legal commentaries on the temporality of statutes, and medical textbooks discussing the transient nature of symptoms That alone is useful..
Q4: Does the phrase have a gendered form?
A: No. Latin pronouns and verbs agree in gender and number with the subject. Since hoc is neuter, the verb remains third‑person singular. If you refer to a feminine subject, you would change the pronoun (e.g., haec etiam transibit).
Q5: Is there a Biblical equivalent?
A: The sentiment is echoed in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (“To everything there is a season”) and in the New Testament’s “This too shall pass” paraphrase of Jesus’ teaching on impermanence, though not in Latin Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
6. Extending the Concept: Related Latin Mottos
| Latin phrase | English translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Carpe diem | “Seize the day” | Encourages present‑moment action. Because of that, |
| Tempus fugit | “Time flies” | Highlights the swift passage of time. |
| Memento mori | “Remember you will die” | Reminds of mortality, fostering humility. |
| Omnia mutantur | “All things change” | General statement of impermanence. |
Some disagree here. Fair enough.
Pairing Hoc etiam transibit with these related sayings can create a personal philosophy toolkit for navigating life’s ups and downs Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Conclusion: Embracing Impermanence Through Latin Wisdom
Hoc etiam transibit is more than a translation; it is a compact embodiment of a universal truth that has guided thinkers from Stoic philosophers to modern therapists. By dissecting its grammar, tracing its historical roots, and understanding its psychological impact, we uncover layers of meaning that make the phrase a powerful ally in moments of distress. Whether you inscribe it on a wall, recite it before a presentation, or write it in a journal, the Latin mantra serves as a reminder that every storm, no matter how fierce, eventually gives way to calm. Let this ancient wisdom settle in your mind: this too shall pass, and with it, you gain the resilience to face whatever comes next.
