"Through thorns to the stars": the meaning and origin of phraseology

The culture of Ancient Rome had a huge impact on the whole of European civilization. Many words and even phrases were borrowed from Latin by European languages. Europeans did not ignore the sayings of the great thinkers of the past. One such borrowed quotation, known throughout the world, is "through thorns to the stars." The meaning of this phrase may not be entirely clear to our contemporaries. Let's try to figure out who invented this phrase and what it means.

Origin of the phrase

For the first time, the phrase "through thorns to the stars" was spoken in Latin. The meaning of this phrase is revealed in the work of the Roman philosopher and thinker Seneca. This figure made a significant contribution to history, literature and philosophy, his works are still being studied at the departments of leading universities in the world. In his work "Furious Hercules" the philosopher describes the exploits of the legendary hero, and he summed up the results of his journey with the phrase: "The way from the earth to the stars is not smooth". In Latin, the slogan was: Non levis astra vitam terrae. The phrase really liked the readers, because the life path of each person is not strewn with roses. But for better effect, the verbal construction should be somehow strengthened. A dull, original terra - the land, it was necessary to replace a more capacious word.

Word replacement

The words in the phrase should be replaced, but so that the general meaning remains the same. So the word "land" appeared on the "thorns". This is the name of a thorny shrub growing on abandoned or infertile lands. The turn was an ordinary shrub for the inhabitants of ancient Rome, so a small substitution of concepts did not cause them any inconvenience. The motto "Through the thorns to the stars" was liked by the admirers of the Roman philosopher, and after a while became quite common word-combination.

Christianity and thorns

On the contrary, the Christian religion gave this expression a special meaning. It was through the sufferings of the Savior for Christians around the world that they opened the way to eternal bliss. But Christ was crowned with a crown of thorns, which became an unequivocal symbol of the Savior's torment in the whole Christian culture. The prickly thorns of thorns, according to the Jews, were a mocking mockery of Jesus. But the pain and suffering did not humiliate Christ. Through torment he ascended into heaven and, resurrected, gave eternal life to those who believed in him. Perhaps, therefore, the simple substitution of the word "land" for "thorns" began to have a deeper meaning, and the meaning of the expression "through thorns to the stars" became understandable for the whole Christian world.

Slogans and slogans

The winged expression has often sounded in the quotes of the great people of the past. The motto of Per aspera ad astra became known in the languages of many peoples, and even met on the arms of noble families. It is not forgotten at the present time. The famous motto of Seneca, having undergone some changes, has given its original meaning to this day. "Through thorns to the stars" is the motto of many sports and intellectual teams. Under this slogan there are various competitions in all corners of the earth. And in the youth environment this saying is often found in the form of a tattoo. This drawing is done both by guys and girls. Perhaps this is how teenagers prove their commitment to a dream - the way they understand it.

Modern sense

The modern meaning of the phrase "through thorns to the stars" has practically retained its original meaning. So now they call the long, difficult path of man to glory, to well-deserved success or to the cherished goal. The initial difficulties on the way become prickly "thorns", obstacles that should be overcome on the way to a dream. Such a meaning of the phrase is hidden in many speech turns of modern Russian speech. And in the Soviet era, this dictum was called a fairly well-known film.

Script and production

Of course, in the Soviet times the famous saying "through thorns to the stars" had a meaning very remote from the Christian one. The film was shot in 1980 by the script of Kira Bulychov and told about the hard ways of man in the universe.

The essence of the plot of the picture boils down to the fact that in a deep space space the reconnaissance vehicle of earthlings discovered the only living creature that was grown artificially. The tape reveals the path of the girl-clone Nessy and shows the search for her true destiny. The tape was very popular among Soviet moviegoers and even won several valuable artistic awards. Perhaps now, in three decades, the scenes from the film may seem naive, but the general meaning of the idea is that each of us must go our own way, and each has his own, individual goal, which we are obliged to achieve.

Results

Of course, each of us has the right to independently seek his understanding of the phrase in "through thorns to the stars." The meaning of the phrase is quite clear, and it can be revealed according to one's own understanding of the path to success. Perhaps some of us will like the original meaning of the creation of Seneca - the way of the common man to heaven, to the realm of the ancient gods. From the work, we can conclude that due to perfect deeds each mortal can ascend to fame and recognition.

Believers will be closer to the symbol of the crown of thorns, reminiscent of the Savior's torment. Here recognition and fame come not through exploits, but through torment and deprivation, which can meet in the way of every Christian.

And many of us will think about the meaning "through thorns to the stars" as a reminder that every person's way to the coveted dream lies through numerous obstacles, overcoming which, we become, better, wiser and stronger.