Sic Semper Tyrannis: More Than Just A Latin Motto

The motto, sic semper tyrannis, is a latin phrase that translates to thus always to tyrants. The phrase sic semper tyrannis, which translates to thus always to tyrants or more liberally as this is what happens to tyrants, is a powerful and enduring motto with a long history of association with the rejection of tyranny and authoritarianism. Sic semper tyrannis is a latin phrase meaning thus always to tyrants. In contemporary parlance, it means tyrannical leaders will inevitably be overthrown. The phrase also suggests that bad but justified outcomes should, or eventually will, befall tyrants.

Sic semper tyrannis thus always to tyrants attributed to brutus at the time of julius caesar 's assassination and to john wilkes booth at the time of abraham lincoln 's assassination; Whether it was actually said at either of these events is disputed. Sic semper tyrannis is a phrase with a somewhat problematic history. Some sources have claimed that this was spoken by brutus as he delivered the knife blow to julius caesar. Sic semper tyrannis (thus always to tyrants) is the most famous latin slogan around. Its been the state motto of virginia since 1776. John wilkes booth shouted it the moment he assassinated.