Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
official motto of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem is a Latin phrase meaning "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty". It is the motto of both Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.[1]
It was written around 1660 by Algernon Sidney, a member of the British "long parliament". He was an opponent of Charles II, who had him executed for treason.
References
change- ↑ "Definition of ENSE PETIT PLACIDAM SUB LIBERTATE QUIETEM". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2020-08-06.