Castigat ridendo mores

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Castigat ridendo mores (Latin pronunciation: [kaˈstiːɡat rɪˈdɛndoː ˈmoːreːs]) (laughing corrects morals) is a Latin phrase that generally means "one corrects customs by laughing at them," or "he corrects morals by ridicule."[1] Some commentators suggest that the phrase embodies the essence of satire; in other words, the best way to change things is to point out their absurdity and laugh at them.[2] French New Latin poet Abbé Jean de Santeul (1630–1697) allegedly coined the phrase.[3][4]

References

  1. "Latin Quotes: Criticism". Latin Phrases & Quotes. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  2. Felt, Scott. "Latin Phrases in Scholarly Writing". University of North Texas, Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  3. "Castigat ridendo mores. Jean de Santeul.". Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  4. H. King, W. Francis (1965). Classical and Foreign Quotations: A Polyglot Manual of Historical and Literary Sayings Noted Passages in Poetry and Prose Phrases, Proverbs, and Bons Mots. London: J. Whitaker & Sons, Limited. p. 35.
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