Mens sana in corpore sano
Mens sana in corpore sano is a Latin phrase that means “a healthy mind in a healthy body.” It is often used in sports and education to say that taking care of your body helps your mind stay well, and a strong mind helps you handle physical challenges.
Origin: The line comes from Satire X by the Roman poet Juvenal, written around the 2nd century AD. In that work, he lists things desirable in life and argues that living a virtuous life is the best path to peace. He also suggests that prayers for long life without virtue are misguided.
Meaning: Over time, people have given the phrase different meanings. Some see it as mind first leading to a healthy body, others as a healthy body helping the mind. Most commonly, it is used to show that physical and mental health are the foundation of well-being.
A similar idea appears earlier in Greek thought. The philosopher Thales is said to have described a happy person as someone with a healthy body, a resourceful mind, and a good nature.
Uses: The phrase is used as a motto in schools and athletic programs, including The Park School of Baltimore Athletics.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 16:13 (CET).