This powerful Latin exclamation translates to “Oh the times! Oh the customs!” The Roman statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero first uttered these words over two millennia ago. He spoke them in the Roman Senate to express his profound shock and outrage. Cicero was decrying the brazen corruption and moral decay he saw in his society. Yet, his ancient lament has not faded with time. Instead, it echoes powerfully in our modern world.
This phrase has become a timeless shorthand for frustration with the present. People use it to critique everything from political scandals to social media trends. It connects our contemporary anxieties to a long history of human concern over societal change. Consequently, understanding Cicero’s original cry helps us understand a recurring theme in human history.
The Original Outcry in Ancient Rome
To grasp the quote’s full weight, we must return to its source: the Roman Republic in 63 BC. The situation was tense. A disgruntled nobleman named Lucius Sergius Catilina, or Catiline, was plotting to overthrow the government. Cicero, serving as consul, uncovered the conspiracy. He then delivered a series of fiery speeches to the Senate, known as the Catilinarian Orations.
During his first speech, Cicero was astonished to see Catiline boldly take his seat among the senators. This happened even after his treasonous plot had been exposed. Cicero unleashed his famous exclamation at that moment. He wasn’t just attacking one man. He was condemning the era’s failing standards. A traitor could sit openly among lawmakers without immediate consequence. The exclamation highlighted a breakdown in Roman law and virtue. It was a cry against a system that allowed such audacity to go unpunished.
A Phrase for the Ages
Cicero’s words outlived him and the Roman Empire. Their universal appeal ensured their survival through centuries of change. Writers and thinkers have frequently adopted the phrase to critique their own societies. For example, Edgar Allan Poe used a variation of it in his poem “O, Tempora! O, Mores!” to satirize the hypocrisies of his time. The phrase became a powerful, concise tool for expressing moral indignation.
Its journey through history shows its remarkable adaptability. Each generation finds new reasons to feel that its times are uniquely troubled. Therefore, they reach for Cicero’s lament to voice that feeling. The phrase provides a sense of historical weight to modern complaints. It suggests that the current problems are not just fleeting issues. Instead, they are part of a larger, ongoing struggle for societal virtue.
Echoes in the 21st Century
Today, “O tempora! O mores!” is more alive than ever. It thrives in newspaper op-eds, political blogs, and social media feeds. Its modern usage is diverse, but it almost always carries that original Ciceronian spirit of dismay. We see it deployed in various arenas to question the direction our world is heading.
In the Political Arena
In politics, the phrase serves as a potent weapon. Pundits and politicians use it to condemn opponents for perceived ethical lapses or corruption. When a scandal breaks, you might see a commentator invoke Cicero’s words. They do this to frame the event as a symptom of a deeper moral sickness in government. This rhetorical move elevates a specific critique into a grander statement about the state of the nation. It suggests that current leaders are failing to uphold timeless standards of conduct. Consequently, the phrase resonates with voters who feel frustrated with the political establishment.
A Tool for Social Commentary
Beyond politics, people use the phrase to comment on social and cultural shifts. Some use it to lament the perceived decline of civility in public discourse. Others might use it to critique the influence of reality television or the perceived narcissism of social media culture. For instance, an older individual might mutter “O tempora! O mores!” after seeing a viral trend they find frivolous or absurd. This usage often reflects a generational gap or a resistance to rapid societal change. It captures a feeling that cherished customs and values are eroding.
From High Culture to Internet Memes
The phrase’s versatility is perhaps its most fascinating modern feature. It appears in serious essays and academic papers. Simultaneously, it flourishes in the world of internet memes and satirical news. This dual existence shows its broad appeal. An academic might use it to analyze societal trends with historical context. Meanwhile, a social media user might post it ironically with a picture of a bizarre new food trend. In both cases, the phrase effectively communicates a sense of bewilderment at the state of the world. Its classical authority gives even a simple meme an air of witty intelligence.
Why Does This Ancient Lament Still Hit Home?
The enduring power of “O tempora! Source O mores!” lies in its connection to a deep-seated human emotion. It taps directly into nostalgia and the common belief that things were better in the past. Psychologists and sociologists have studied this tendency, sometimes called “declinism.” . People in every era tend to view their own times as uniquely flawed.
Furthermore, the phrase is rhetorically perfect. It is short, dramatic, and memorable. The Latin gives it a veneer of intellectual gravity. Saying “Oh the times! Oh the customs!” feels more profound than simply saying “Things are terrible these days.” It connects a personal frustration to a grand, historical tradition of complaint. This act provides a strange comfort, reminding us that we are not the first to feel this way.
A Question of Perspective
However, we should also approach this lament with a critical eye. Is every societal change truly a sign of moral decay? History suggests otherwise. What one generation views as a crisis, the next often accepts as normal or even views as progress. For example, shifts in social norms regarding civil rights or gender equality were once seen by some as a dangerous departure from tradition. Today, most people consider them essential moral advancements.
Cicero’s complaint was rooted in a specific, dangerous political crisis. In contrast, many modern uses are aimed at more trivial matters. It is important to distinguish between legitimate threats to democracy and simple resistance to change. While the phrase is a useful tool for expressing discontent, it can also mask an unwillingness to adapt to an evolving world. Every generation faces its own unique challenges and develops its own unique customs.
A Timeless Human Response
In conclusion, “O tempora! O mores!” remains profoundly relevant. It has journeyed from the floor of the Roman Senate to the vast expanse of the internet. The phrase continues to be a powerful vehicle for expressing our deepest anxieties about the world we live in. It captures the universal human tendency to question the present and idealize the past.
While Cicero’s world was vastly different from our own, his cry of frustration still finds its mark. It reminds us that concern for the moral fabric of society is not a new invention. It is a timeless human response to the challenges of change and uncertainty. Whether used in earnest critique or ironic jest, the phrase endures as a testament to our ongoing struggle to make sense of our times and our customs.