Erravimus!
Posted on 10/06/2014 9:13:51 AM PDT by ConservingFreedom
MOORESTOWN — “We second-guess all.”
Not exactly the phrase the township’s architect intended to display on the side of the new library.
But, it turns out that’s exactly what the translation of the Latin phrase “Nos Secundus Coniecto Omnia” engraved on the exterior walls of the building means, leaving the architect stunned.
“We were convinced it said, ‘We confirm all things twice,’ ” said Rick Ragan, of the Ragan Design Group.
The suggestion to etch the line in two of the four medallions seemed fitting, given the number of years it took and all the people who had a hand in the multimillion-dollar project.
From the multiple township councils, managers, planning boards, library board and all community involvement, Ragan said the line perfectly portrayed the course the municipality took to complete the Town Hall and library project.
So why not add something that best describes that journey?
“The Latin phrase ‘We confirm all things twice’ resulted from one of our staff going to a Latin dictionary,” Ragan said.
Unfortunately, the translation didn’t exactly work out as they had thought.
Ragan said he learned there was an issue from residents who used Google to translate the line.
“We’ve looked at the definition of the words. It says that the verb says, ‘think, include, conclude, judge and confirm,’ ” Ragan said of the phrase.
But then the firm found the word “guess” in the definition, and everyone knew there was a problem.
“Google’s version, and I’m old enough to admit that I’ve never translated anything on Google or conjugated (anything). Their version is that ‘We all second-guess,’ ” Ragan said.
Despite the revelation, township officials seemed to take the news in stride.
Mayor Chris Chiacchio used another line to describe how he felt about the situation.
“Our new library is an overwhelming success and great place to gather and learn something new. For instance, ‘A mistake is only a mistake if you do not have the courage to correct it,’ ” Chiacchio said.
That’s exactly what Ragan plans to do, at no expense to the town.
“We’re going to have to get a stone cutter to cut into the stone,” Ragan said of changing a few letters to transform the phase into one that translates to “We encourage all.”
While workers are up there, they will have to address a couple of C’s left out of the other two medallions, which changed the date.
The firm is still looking into how best to fix those medallions.
“We may have to replace those, because I don’t want it to look like a patch job,” Ragan said.
As with the mayor, other council members were pleased that Ragan plans to resolve the issue on the building, which took seven years to complete after fire and water destroyed the former facility and police headquarters in August 2007.
Councilman Greg Newcomer said it was an unfortunate situation.
“Considering everything regarding the architectural design of the project, most people I talk to are very pleased, and I believe the design elements created by Ragan (Design Group) will serve the community well,” Newcomer said.
Deputy Mayor Stacey Jordan joked that she hopes Ragan will double-check the fix on Google.
I like it.
The motto of all sports fans everywhere.
“We second guess all” isn’t a bad motto for a library, IMO.
They should have confirmed the translation twice.
I once inscripted a latin phrase in expensive marble. I meant it to read: “We Breathe In At The Inception Of Life”....”Sumus Spiritus Ab Ovo”.....
.... but it really meant “We suck eggs.”
Erravimus!
Instead of looking the words up in a Latin dictionary, they should have consulted a Latin teacher at a nearby high school or college. Latin is an inflected language but the dictionary lists only one form—the verb will be the first person singular form when they need the first person plural.
Lol...somebody needs to learn Latin.
Lol!
I don’t think either Latin phrase has anything to do with a library. They’re equally context-less ... but that doesn’t mean uninteresting.
I think the library board should embrace their serendipitous motto. They could hold second-guessing-themed events.
‘We confirm all things twice,’
Obviously not...........
“We second-guess all”
Not a bad motto. they should keep it!..........
.... but it really meant “We suck eggs.”
LOL!
Did this happen in America?
I like it the way it is.
Wait—maybe not.
They should just change it to pubic lieberry.
Latin - in a public High School? They don't even teach English, never mind Latin!!
One more reason why we home-school - nothing like hearing your 12-year old daughter conjugate latin verbs during dinner....
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