South Carolina State Motto

South Carolina has two state mottos that can be seen on the state seal. On the left of the seal is “Animis Opibusque Parati” which translates to “Prepared in Mind and Resources” and on the right is the more well-known motto “Dum Spiro Spero” which translates to “While I Breathe I Hope.”

Both of these mottos were engraved on the original great seal in 1777. The motto, “animis opibusque parati,” had earlier appeared on a £50 South Carolina banknote issued in 1776. The phrase is taken from the second book of Virgil’s renowned Greek epic poem, Aeneid. These words appear at the point in the story where Aeneas joins his followers who he says are armed, equipped, ready, and willing to follow him into exile. This journey leads to the founding of Rome. This motto thus shows South Carolina’s confidence in its destiny.