Why Are Mottos Important?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines motto as "A short expression of a guiding principle." Mottos remind us what we stand for, and what values we -- as an individual, family, nation, firm or educational institution -- wish to pass on to the next generation.

Mottos Reflect Our Essence

Campaign motto of President Barack Obama

Mottos encapsulate our journey from the past to the present, and reflect our core beliefs and aspirations for the future. For example, India's national motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs - Sanskrit) is derived from the Upanishads, an over 2,000-year-old philosophical treatise on the way of life. The U.S. motto "In God We Trust" indicates the Puritan origin of the new world. The State of New Hampshire's motto "Live Free or Die" says it all.

Mottos Help Inculcate Values

Mottos at educational institutions

The ethical values of an educational institution are communicated to its students through mottos. For example: Harvard University's "Truth," Yale University's "Light & Truth," and Carnegie-Mellon's "My Heart is in the Work."

Mottos in Marketing

Volvo

Organizational goals and brand messages are conveyed to employees, customers and the media through crisp mottos such as "Volvo for Life" (Volvo), "Moving Forward" (Toyota), and "Today is so Yesterday" (Intel).

Personal Mottos to Live By

Mottos can inspire during tough times. For example, professional cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong's personal motto, which became the motto for his foundation that helps people fight cancer, is "Live Strong."

Mottos Convey Intentions

The British royal family's motto inscribed in its coat of arms reads: "God and My Right," proclaiming the family's divine right to rule.

Royalty aside, the process of creating one's family's motto can help encapsulate our priorities.

References

• Definition of Motto -- Merriam-Webster

Resources

• Make Your Coat of Arms