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Concept
Mens sana in corpore sano
Summary
Mens sana in corpore sano (mẽːs ˈsaːna ɪŋ ˈkɔrpɔrɛ ˈsaːnoː) is a Latin phrase, usually translated as "a healthy mind in a healthy body". The phrase is widely used in sporting and educational contexts to express that physical exercise is an important or essential part of mental and psychological well-being.
The phrase comes from Satire X of the Roman poet Juvenal (10.356). It is the first in a list of what is desirable in life:
Traditional commentators believe that Juvenal's intention was to teach his fellow Roman citizens that in the main, their prayers for such things as long life are misguided. That the gods had provided man with virtues which he then lists for them.
Over time and separated from its context, the phrase has come to have a range of meanings. It can be construed to mean that only a healthy mind can lead to a healthy body, or equally that only a healthy body can produce or sustain a healthy mind. Its most general usage is to express the hierarchy of needs: with physical and mental health at the root.
An earlier, similar saying is attributed to the pre-Socratic philosopher Thales:
Later usages
John Locke (1632–1704) uses the phrase in his book Some Thoughts Concerning Education, 1693.
Heinrich von Treitschke used this phrase in his work titled The Army. He uses the phrase to highlight a sound principle of his German nationalistic doctrine. His work echoes the principles of late nineteenth century Prussian society.
Its first use in an athletic context appears to have been by John Hulley in December 1861. In 1862 he chose it as the motto of the Liverpool Athletic Club and Liverpool Olympic Games.
Dr. K. Keyer, leader of the Public Health Council of the Netherlands during the Second World War, used the phrase as goal for public health care.
Slavic Sokol movement (f. 1862)
Usage as the motto of athletic clubs:
Liverpool Athletic Club
Paraná Clube
Gimnasia y Esgrima de Buenos Aires
Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
Georgetown Hoyas
R.S.C. Anderlecht
C.D.
Official source
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