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Learn the meaning and origin of the Latin motto of Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The phrase, often translated as "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty", was written by Algernon Sidney in 1660.
The state motto of Massachusetts is "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem", which means "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty". Learn how this motto was adopted in 1775 and what it symbolizes on the state flag and seal.
Most of the United States' 50 states have a state motto, as do the District of Columbia and 3 of its territories. A motto is a phrase intended to formally describe the general motivation or intention of an organization. State mottos can sometimes be found on state seals or state flags.
The official state motto of Massachusetts is “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem” which is Latin for “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” The Latin motto was adopted in 1775 by the Provincial Congress and appears on the state’s coat of arms.
17 maj 2024 · The state motto of Massachusetts is "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem," which means "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty." Learn how this motto relates to the colony's history, the seal, the flag and the coat of arms.
Learn the meaning and origin of the state motto of Massachusetts, "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem", which means "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty". Find out more facts and quizzes about the 50 states of the US.
3 mar 2005 · The motto of Massachusetts is Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem, meaning By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty. It was adopted in 1775 as an element of the colonial seal and is now part of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth.
