Ad maiora natus sum is a Latin adage meaning I was born for greater things. Because Latin grammar is gender specific, substitute nata for natus if you need the feminine gender.

I am not sure of the origin of this adage. I saw it for the first fime many years ago in a hagiography, the biography of a Saint who turned from living an ordinary life to that of a Saint when he realized he was born for greater things.

Of course, the adage need not be limited to Saints. Anyone who has achieved greatness of any sort, be it an Olympic medal or creating E2, has had a point of realization, clear or subtle, that he/she was born to do something more than just go through the motions of biological life.

The truth is, we all have been born ad maiora (for greater things). By that I don't mean that everyone should be an astronaut, or an inventor, or anything like that. What I mean is that every one of us has an impact on the world around us. It is good to realize this and make sure our impact is positive. Or at least try to.

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