Introduction
This lesson introduces the conjunction "ergō" (therefore), a crucial word for expressing logical consequence and conclusion in Latin. We'll explore how this word functions to connect ideas and show cause-and-effect relationships, while incorporating previously learned vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Part A (Interleaved English and Latin Text)
134.1 Pluit it rains hodiē today ergō therefore domī at home manēmus we remain
134.2 Aeger sick est he is puer the boy ergō therefore in in lectō bed iacet he lies
134.3 Mīlitēs soldiers fessī tired sunt are ergō therefore castra camp pōnunt they pitch
134.4 Ergō therefore quid what nunc now facere to do dēbēmus ought we
134.5 Hostēs enemies appropinquant approach ergō therefore portās gates claudere to close necesse necessary est it is
134.6 Magister teacher abest is absent ergō therefore discipulī students lūdunt play
134.7 Pecūniam money nōn not habeō I have ergō therefore emere to buy nōn not possum I am able
134.8 Ergō therefore vērum true est it is quod what dīxistī you said
134.9 Hiems winter venit comes ergō therefore avēs birds avolant fly away
134.10 Pater father īrātus angry est is ergō therefore fīliī sons tacent are silent
134.11 Omnia all things parāta prepared sunt are ergō therefore proficīscī to set out possumus we can
134.12 Ergō therefore nihil nothing timendum to be feared est is nōbīs by us
134.13 Sōl sun lūcet shines ergō therefore in into agrōs fields īmus we go
134.14 Verba words tua your vēra true sunt are ergō therefore tibi you crēdō I believe
134.15 Ergō therefore hoc this opus work perfectum completed est is tandem at last
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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)
134.1 Pluit hodiē, ergō domī manēmus. It's raining today, therefore we're staying home.
134.2 Aeger est puer, ergō in lectō iacet. The boy is sick, therefore he's lying in bed.
134.3 Mīlitēs fessī sunt, ergō castra pōnunt. The soldiers are tired, therefore they're making camp.
134.4 Ergō quid nunc facere dēbēmus? So what should we do now?
134.5 Hostēs appropinquant, ergō portās claudere necesse est. The enemies are approaching, therefore it's necessary to close the gates.
134.6 Magister abest, ergō discipulī lūdunt. The teacher is absent, therefore the students are playing.
134.7 Pecūniam nōn habeō, ergō emere nōn possum. I don't have money, therefore I cannot buy.
134.8 Ergō vērum est quod dīxistī. Therefore what you said is true.
134.9 Hiems venit, ergō avēs avolant. Winter is coming, therefore the birds fly away.
134.10 Pater īrātus est, ergō fīliī tacent. Father is angry, therefore the sons are silent.
134.11 Omnia parāta sunt, ergō proficīscī possumus. Everything is ready, therefore we can set out.
134.12 Ergō nihil timendum est nōbīs. Therefore we have nothing to fear.
134.13 Sōl lūcet, ergō in agrōs īmus. The sun is shining, therefore we're going to the fields.
134.14 Verba tua vēra sunt, ergō tibi crēdō. Your words are true, therefore I believe you.
134.15 Ergō hoc opus perfectum est tandem. Therefore this work is finally completed.
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Part C (Latin Text Only)
134.1 Pluit hodiē, ergō domī manēmus.
134.2 Aeger est puer, ergō in lectō iacet.
134.3 Mīlitēs fessī sunt, ergō castra pōnunt.
134.4 Ergō quid nunc facere dēbēmus?
134.5 Hostēs appropinquant, ergō portās claudere necesse est.
134.6 Magister abest, ergō discipulī lūdunt.
134.7 Pecūniam nōn habeō, ergō emere nōn possum.
134.8 Ergō vērum est quod dīxistī.
134.9 Hiems venit, ergō avēs avolant.
134.10 Pater īrātus est, ergō fīliī tacent.
134.11 Omnia parāta sunt, ergō proficīscī possumus.
134.12 Ergō nihil timendum est nōbīs.
134.13 Sōl lūcet, ergō in agrōs īmus.
134.14 Verba tua vēra sunt, ergō tibi crēdō.
134.15 Ergō hoc opus perfectum est tandem.
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Part D (Grammar Explanation)
For English speakers, understanding "ergō" requires grasping several key points:
Basic Function: "Ergō" is a conjunction meaning "therefore," "consequently," or "so." It shows logical consequence, similar to English "therefore" or "so."
Position in Sentence: Unlike English, where "therefore" typically begins a clause, Latin "ergō" enjoys more flexibility:
Initial position (sentences 134.4, 134.8, 134.12, 134.15): Creates emphasis on the conclusion
Second position (most common): After the first element of the clause it introduces
Between clauses: Connects cause and effect smoothly
Punctuation: In modern editions, ergō is often preceded by a comma when it introduces a conclusion, similar to English usage.
Logical Relationships: Ergō introduces results or conclusions drawn from previous statements:
Cause → ergō → Effect
Observation → ergō → Conclusion
Premise → ergō → Logical consequence
Common Patterns:
Statement of fact + ergō + resulting action: "Pluit, ergō manēmus" (It rains, therefore we stay)
Condition + ergō + necessary response: "Hostēs appropinquant, ergō portās claudere necesse est"
Question formation: "Ergō quid...?" (So what...?)
Stylistic Notes:
In formal prose, ergō often appears at the beginning of sentences for rhetorical effect
In conversational Latin, it frequently takes second position
Can be translated as "so," "therefore," "consequently," or "then" depending on context
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Part E (Cultural Context)
For English speakers learning Latin, understanding "ergō" provides insight into Roman logical thinking:
Roman Logic and Rhetoric: Romans valued clear logical progression in speech and writing. "Ergō" was essential in:
Legal arguments (showing consequences of actions)
Philosophical discussions (drawing conclusions)
Political speeches (persuading through logic)
Famous Usage: The phrase "Cōgitō ergō sum" (I think, therefore I am), though from Descartes' later Latin, shows the enduring importance of this logical connector.
Educational Context: Roman students learned to use "ergō" properly as part of their rhetorical training, essential for public life.
Modern Legacy:
Legal Latin still uses "ergō" in formal arguments
Academic writing preserves this logical structure
The word survives in Romance languages (Spanish "luego," Italian "dunque")
Practical Application: Understanding "ergō" helps modern readers follow the logical flow of Latin texts, especially in:
Historical narratives (showing cause and effect)
Philosophical works (tracing arguments)
Scientific treatises (demonstrating conclusions)
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Part F (Literary Citation)
From Cicero's De Officiīs (1.20):
Part F-A (Interleaved Text)
Nōn not enim for sōlum only nōbīs for ourselves nātī born sumus we are ortūsque and the origin nostrī of our partem part patria fatherland vindicat claims partem part amīcī friends. Atque and ut as Stōicīs to the Stoics placet it pleases quae things which in on terrīs earth gignuntur are produced ad for ūsum use hominum of men omnia all creārī to be created, hominēs men autem however hominum of men causā for the sake esse to be generātōs begotten ut so that ipsī they themselves inter among sē themselves aliīs to others aliī some prōdesse to benefit possent might be able, in in hōc this nātūram nature dēbēmus we ought ducem as guide sequī to follow.
Part F-B (Complete Translation)
Nōn enim sōlum nōbīs nātī sumus ortūsque nostrī partem patria vindicat, partem amīcī. Atque ut Stōicīs placet, quae in terrīs gignuntur, ad ūsum hominum omnia creārī, hominēs autem hominum causā esse generātōs, ut ipsī inter sē aliīs aliī prōdesse possent, in hōc nātūram dēbēmus ducem sequī.
For we are not born for ourselves alone; our country claims a part of our origin, and our friends claim a part. And as the Stoics believe, all things which are produced on earth are created for the use of men, but men are begotten for the sake of men, so that they themselves might be able to benefit one another. In this we ought to follow nature as our guide.
Part F-C (Literary Analysis)
Cicero uses logical progression here, though "ergō" is implied rather than stated. The passage moves from premise (we're not born for ourselves alone) to supporting evidence (Stoic philosophy) to conclusion (we should follow nature's guidance). This demonstrates how Roman philosophical writing creates logical flow even without explicit logical connectors.
Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)
Passive constructions: "nātī sumus" (we are born), "creārī" (to be created), "generātōs" (begotten)
Purpose clauses: "ut...possent" (so that they might be able)
Philosophical vocabulary: "Stōicīs placet" (it pleases the Stoics = the Stoics believe)
Parallel structure: "partem...partem" (part...part) showing balanced claims
Gerundive of purpose: "ad ūsum" (for use)
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Genre Section: Expository Essay on Knowledge
Part A (Interleaved Text)
134.16 Scientia knowledge lūx light mentis of mind est is ergō therefore omnēs all eam it quaerere to seek dēbent ought
134.17 Ignōrantia ignorance multōs many errōrēs errors facit makes ergō therefore sapientēs wise men semper always student study
134.18 Librī books multa many things docent teach ergō therefore eōs them legere to read ūtile useful est is
134.19 Ergō therefore prīmum first discendum to be learned est is quōmodo how discere to learn possīmus we can
134.20 Magistrī teachers viam way mōnstrant show ergō therefore eōs them audīre to hear necesse necessary est is
134.21 Exercitātiō practice perfectum perfect facit makes ergō therefore cottīdiē daily exercēre to practice dēbēmus we ought
134.22 Ergō therefore quī who sapiēns wise fierī to become vult wishes numquam never dēsinit ceases discere to learn
134.23 Memoria memory scientiam knowledge servat preserves ergō therefore eam it exercēre to exercise bonum good est is
134.24 Multī many fontes sources scientiae of knowledge sunt are ergō therefore omnēs all explōrāre to explore dēbēmus we ought
134.25 Ergō therefore nōn not sōlum only librōs books sed but etiam also experientiam experience quaerere to seek oportet it is proper
134.26 Veritas truth saepe often occulta hidden est is ergō therefore diligenter diligently eam it quaerere to seek necesse necessary est is
134.27 Philosophī philosophers dē about rēbus things maximīs greatest cōgitant think ergō therefore eōrum their scripta writings pretiōsa valuable sunt are
134.28 Ergō therefore sapientia wisdom nōn not ūnō in one diē day venit comes sed but per through multōs many annōs years crescit grows
134.29 Errāre to err hūmānum human est is ergō therefore ex from errōribus errors discere to learn possumus we can
134.30 Ergō therefore haec these things omnia all cōnsīderantes considering videmus we see scientiam knowledge thēsaurum treasure maximum greatest esse to be
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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)
134.16 Scientia lūx mentis est, ergō omnēs eam quaerere dēbent. Knowledge is the light of the mind, therefore everyone should seek it.
134.17 Ignōrantia multōs errōrēs facit, ergō sapientēs semper student. Ignorance causes many errors, therefore wise men always study.
134.18 Librī multa docent, ergō eōs legere ūtile est. Books teach many things, therefore reading them is useful.
134.19 Ergō prīmum discendum est quōmodo discere possīmus. Therefore first we must learn how we can learn.
134.20 Magistrī viam mōnstrant, ergō eōs audīre necesse est. Teachers show the way, therefore it's necessary to listen to them.
134.21 Exercitātiō perfectum facit, ergō cottīdiē exercēre dēbēmus. Practice makes perfect, therefore we should practice daily.
134.22 Ergō quī sapiēns fierī vult numquam dēsinit discere. Therefore whoever wishes to become wise never stops learning.
134.23 Memoria scientiam servat, ergō eam exercēre bonum est. Memory preserves knowledge, therefore exercising it is good.
134.24 Multī fontēs scientiae sunt, ergō omnēs explōrāre dēbēmus. There are many sources of knowledge, therefore we should explore them all.
134.25 Ergō nōn sōlum librōs sed etiam experientiam quaerere oportet. Therefore one should seek not only books but also experience.
134.26 Veritas saepe occulta est, ergō diligenter eam quaerere necesse est. Truth is often hidden, therefore it's necessary to seek it diligently.
134.27 Philosophī dē rēbus maximīs cōgitant, ergō eōrum scripta pretiōsa sunt. Philosophers think about the greatest matters, therefore their writings are valuable.
134.28 Ergō sapientia nōn ūnō diē venit sed per multōs annōs crescit. Therefore wisdom doesn't come in one day but grows through many years.
134.29 Errāre hūmānum est, ergō ex errōribus discere possumus. To err is human, therefore we can learn from mistakes.
134.30 Ergō haec omnia cōnsīderantes vidēmus scientiam thēsaurum maximum esse. Therefore, considering all these things, we see that knowledge is the greatest treasure.
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Part C (Latin Text Only)
134.16 Scientia lūx mentis est, ergō omnēs eam quaerere dēbent.
134.17 Ignōrantia multōs errōrēs facit, ergō sapientēs semper student.
134.18 Librī multa docent, ergō eōs legere ūtile est.
134.19 Ergō prīmum discendum est quōmodo discere possīmus.
134.20 Magistrī viam mōnstrant, ergō eōs audīre necesse est.
134.21 Exercitātiō perfectum facit, ergō cottīdiē exercēre dēbēmus.
134.22 Ergō quī sapiēns fierī vult numquam dēsinit discere.
134.23 Memoria scientiam servat, ergō eam exercēre bonum est.
134.24 Multī fontēs scientiae sunt, ergō omnēs explōrāre dēbēmus.
134.25 Ergō nōn sōlum librōs sed etiam experientiam quaerere oportet.
134.26 Veritas saepe occulta est, ergō diligenter eam quaerere necesse est.
134.27 Philosophī dē rēbus maximīs cōgitant, ergō eōrum scripta pretiōsa sunt.
134.28 Ergō sapientia nōn ūnō diē venit sed per multōs annōs crescit.
134.29 Errāre hūmānum est, ergō ex errōribus discere possumus.
134.30 Ergō haec omnia cōnsīderantes vidēmus scientiam thēsaurum maximum esse.
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Part D (Grammar Explanation for Expository Essay)
The expository essay demonstrates how "ergō" functions in academic and philosophical writing:
Thesis Development: The essay uses "ergō" to build logical arguments about knowledge:
Premise → ergō → conclusion
Each sentence presents a cause-effect relationship
Creates a chain of reasoning throughout the essay
Varied Grammatical Constructions:
Gerundive of necessity: "discendum est" (must be learned)
Indirect questions: "quōmodo discere possīmus" (how we can learn)
Infinitive as subject: "errāre hūmānum est" (to err is human)
Participial phrases: "haec omnia cōnsīderantes" (considering all these things)
Essay Structure Elements:
Opening thesis (134.16): Knowledge is light, therefore all should seek it
Supporting arguments (134.17-134.29): Various aspects of learning
Conclusion (134.30): Synthesizes arguments with "haec omnia cōnsīderantes"
Rhetorical Patterns:
Metaphor: "scientia lūx mentis est" (knowledge is the light of the mind)
Universal statements: "errāre hūmānum est" (to err is human)
Progressive reasoning: Each sentence builds on previous ideas
Balanced constructions: "nōn sōlum...sed etiam" (not only...but also)
Academic Vocabulary:
Abstract nouns: scientia, ignōrantia, veritas, sapientia
Intellectual verbs: cōgitāre, studēre, discere, quaerere
Value terms: ūtilis, bonus, pretiōsus, maximus
Logical Progression: The essay moves from:
General principle (knowledge is valuable)
Methods of acquiring knowledge
Sources of knowledge
Nature of wisdom
Final synthesis
This expository structure shows how "ergō" creates coherent academic discourse in Latin, linking ideas to build compelling arguments.
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