nullius in verba

Latin

Coat of arms of the Royal Society, bearing the motto: "Nullius in verba"

Proverb

nūllīus in verba

1. take nobody's word for anything (literally: "in no one's word"): the motto of the Royal Society.
   • 1892 Charles Tomlinson. "On the Royal Society's Mace" In journal: "The Antiquary" vol 25 Jan-Jun, p 96 ff.

     The motto of the society, Nullius in verba ("Relying on the words of no man"), was suggested by Evelyn. It is derived from Horace, Epistola I.:
     Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri, Quo me cunque rapit tempestas, deferor hospes. Not being bound to swear or speak according to the dictates of any master; wherever the tempest drives, I become a guest.
     Or, as paraphrased by Pope :
     Sworn to no master, of no sect am I ;
     As drives the storm, at any door I knock,
     And house with Montaigne now, or now with Locke.

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

See also

• res, non verba