Talk:De mortuis nil nisi bonum

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The most accesible use of this latin phrase in the 20th and early 21st centuries (in its most abbreviated form, "nil nisi bonum") is likely in the opening sequence of David Lean's epic film Lawrence of Arabia.

Although Lean takes certain liberties with the truth (in part necessiated by the nature of the cinematic medium, in part to create a hero required for an immensely popular entertainment product) this up-front commentary on Lawrence's contribution to history is quite in keeping with actual early 20th century judgment of T.E.L.'s deeds and misdeeds. More is the pity, though, that it was disguised for the eyes (ears) of most viewers, save those who could count Latin among their studies.

Greg Hecht 26 Dec 05

One suspects a bar-room joke here, too, for the classical scholar: De Malt uisghe Nil ni Sybarum en ce bar-room.

                                   210.50.72.93 07:29, 19 December 2006 (UTC) Ian Ison

A more proper literal translation might be "nothing but good is (ever) spoken of the dead," but I will defer.

Bileman 15:03, 16 August 2007 (UTC)