Fortune Favours The Bold Alexander
Marieta Reeks
"Fortune favours the bold" or "fortune favours the brave" are among the English translations of the Latin proverb "audentes Fortuna iuvat" and its variations. The phrase has been widely used as a slogan in the Western world to emphasize the rewards of courage and bravery, particularly within military organizations, and it is also used up to the present day on the coats of arms of numerous families and clans. It has historically served as a popular motto for universities, along with other academic institutions and recreational associations.
Another version of the proverb, fortes Fortuna adiuvat, 'fortune favours the strong/brave', was used in Terence's 151 BC comedy play Phormio, line 203.[3] Ovid extends the phrase at I.608 of his didactic work, Ars Amatoria, writing "audentem Forsque Venusque iuvat" or "Venus, like Fortune, favors the bold."
Pliny the Younger quotes his uncle, Pliny the Elder, as using the phrase Fortes fortuna iuvat when deciding to take his fleet and investigate the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, in the hope of helping his friend Pomponianus: "'Fortes' inquit 'fortuna iuvat: Pomponianum pete.'" ("'Fortune', he said, 'favours the brave: head for Pomponianus.'")[4][5] Pliny the Elder ultimately died during the expedition.
The Latin phrase Fortuna Eruditis Favet ("fortune favours the prepared mind") is also used. Louis Pasteur, the French microbiologist and chemist, expressed this as: "Dans les champs de l'observation le hasard ne favorise que les esprits prpars", meaning "In the fields of observation, chance favours only the prepared mind."
In The Prince, Niccol Machiavelli remarked, "It is better to be adventurous than cautious," but extending the metaphor, "because fortune is a woman and . . . it is necessary to beat and ill-use her; and it is seen that she allows herself to be mastered by the adventurous."[6][7]
'Virtutis Fortuna Comes' (Fortune is the companion of virtue) is the unit motto of the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers; an Army Reserve unit based in Northern New South Wales (the Hunter River region, hence the name) and South East Queensland.
The Wellington Regiment (City of Wellington's Own) adopted the badge of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment of the British Army, along with the motto of the Duke of Wellington "Virtutis Fortuna Comes" (see United Kingdom below). The Regiment's traditions are now carried on by Wellington Company, 5th / 7th Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Also the motto of the Regular Force Cadets new Zealand
Because it was the motto of the Duke of Wellington, Earl of Mornington, Virtutis Fortuna Comes is used as the motto for the British Army's Yorkshire Regiment having been previously used by one of the Yorkshire's antecedent regiments, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding [33rd/76th Foot]).[11] It is also the motto for Wellington College, Berkshire.[12]
A number of armigerous families use this motto, often featured on their coats of arms; these families include Clan MacKinnon,[13] Clan Turnbull,[14] and several Dickson families, including a number resident in Forfarshire, and the Dickson Barons Islington.[15]
In the movies John Wick and John Wick: Chapter 2, the title character bears a tattoo across his upper back reading "FORTIS FORTUNA ADIUVAT". "Fortis" means both "strong" and "brave". Thus, the saying denotes "Fortune favors the strong and the courageous". It should also be mentioned that "adiuvat" means "help" and the saying can also be translated as "Fortune helps the strong and the courageous".
In the 2002 Film Gangs of New York , midway during the film, on election night, Boss Tweed yells out to the gathered crowd "Fortuna Juvat Audentes". Leading the chant back was the lead character, Amsterdam Vallon, and they replied in English "Fortune Favors the Bold".
In Episode 12 Season 2 of the anime The Faraway Paladin the spirits of the dwarven warriors chant this as a rallying war cry against the evil dragon Valacirca in support of Will William G. Mary blood and his brave party as they prepare to face off once more.
In the award-winning video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, while exploring the landscape, players can find and read a book entitled 'Unfinished Book'. Within the text of this book, the phrase "audentes fortuna iuvat!" can be found.
In 2021, Matt Damon appeared in an advertisement for Crypto.com encouraging investors using the proverb ("Fortune favors the bold") as a slogan. The advertisement was widely criticized, and it was frequently satirized by the animated series South Park, beginning in its twenty-fifth season.[25][26]
Alexander, a real-time strategy video game based on the motion picture Alexander, the highly anticipated biopic based on the life and conquests of Alexander the Great from Academy Award winning director Oliver Stone. Players fight real-time battles using formations, combat and authentic military tactics, while commanding vast armies in foreign lands. Blood will be spilled on the battlefield and honor will be put to the test, as a combination of courage and strategy will determine the victor. Featuring the titular Macedonian conqueror plus Persian ruler Darius, Indian warlord Poros and Egyptian pharaoh Nectanebo, it has four armies, each with its own unique units.
The quote on the back of the box for Alexander (from the Roman poet Virgil) is "fortune favors the bold." Well, sometimes fortune doesn't. In fact, sometimes fortune's idea of "bold" is shoving your head into a toilet and flushing repeatedly. I'm sure that's not what the developers intended for this real-time romp through the ancient Levant, but alas, that's what they've delivered. Read More
If you're reading this, it's because you know that sometimes a hoodie just doesn't cut the mustard. Whether you need to up your casual-wear or are looking to switch it up at the next quarterly meeting, our collection of the most elegant jackets from this year can help. Here are our top picks for 2023!
Moss Bros introduces the epitome of modern elegance with the affordable Skinny Fit Blue Donegal Jacket. This versatile piece seamlessly transitions from boardroom to social gatherings. The impeccable tailoring and the timeless appeal of the Donegal pattern make it a must-have for the contemporary gentleman.
Brunello Cucinelli's Virgin Wool Blend Blazer exudes luxury and sophistication. Meticulously crafted from premium materials, this blazer exemplifies timeless style. The impeccable tailoring and the rich texture of the virgin wool blend make it a statement piece, perfect for elevating any ensemble.
Tom Ford continues its legacy of opulence with the Cotton Velvet Blazer. This single-breasted masterpiece combines refinement with a touch of extravagance. The sumptuous feel of cotton velvet adds a luxurious dimension, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate sophistication with a contemporary edge.
Saint Laurent presents a timeless classic with the Single-breasted Wool Blend Pinstripe Blazer. This piece effortlessly marries tradition and modernity. The subtle pinstripe pattern adds a touch of refinement, making it a versatile choice for both formal and casual occasions.
Percival brings a contemporary twist with the Check Tailored Blazer in Navy. This jacket strikes a perfect balance between smart and casual, offering a fresh perspective on traditional tailoring. The navy check pattern adds a dash of personality, making it a standout piece in any wardrobe.
Alexander McQueen takes a bold approach with the Harness Single-breasted Blazer. This classic suit jacket seamlessly fuses contemporary design with traditional tailoring. The harness detail adds an edgy flair, making it a distinctive choice for the fashion-forward gentleman.
And now for something completely different! Among other things, 2023 will be remembered for Barbie, the movie. If you can pull it off, the Ralph Lauren Purple Labels Single-breasted Silk Gabardine Blazer is an opportunity to showcase your fashion flair. Probably not one for the office - but fortune favours the bold!
The true story of one of history's most luminous and influential leaders, Alexander the Great--a man who had conquered 90% of the known world by the age of twenty-seven. Alexander led his virtually invincible Greek and Macedonian armies through 22,000 miles of sieges and conquests in just eight years, and by the time of his death at the age of thirty-two had forged an empire unlike any the world had ever seen. The story chronicles Alexander's path to becoming a living legend, from a youth fueled by dreams of myth, glory and adventure to his lonely death as a ruler of a vast Empire. Alexander is the incredible story of a life that united the Known World and proved if nothing else, fortune favors the bold.
From Ella Baker to Septima Clark, history is rife with examples of Black women whose tremendous legacies in the world of political organizing are accompanied by a relative absence in the dominant narratives we tell ourselves about the times in which they lived. They say that fortune favors the bold; we might also observe that history favors the men.
In this context, it is no surprise that those struggling to believe in something in the face of despair have turned to the work of educator and organizer Mariame Kaba. Many (myself included) came to her first through Prison Culture, the blog she has published since 2010 that explores the many arms of the carceral state and how we might dismantle our current systems of punishment. Others may know her from Project NIA, the organization she founded that uses participatory community justice to fight youth incarceration. Or one of the many other projects she has founded, co-founded or co-led: campaigns to free Marissa Alexander and Bresha Meadows, the Chicago Freedom School, the Chicago Community Bond Fund, We Charge Genocide, and Reparations Now, which secured reparations for victims of police violence in Chicago.