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"Knowledge is power"
"Don't let the bastards get you down"
"Against evil, I will not be silent"
This trio of engraved bracelets is for women who know that their mind, voice, and free will are not negotiable. Available individually or as a set (with a $25 discount!).
SCIENTIA POTENTIA EST - "knowledge is power".
Attributed to philosopher-scientist Sir Francis Bacon in the 1600's, this phrase has endured for centuries and describes something simple and true: understanding the world gives you power over your own life. Curiosity opens doors that ignorance keeps shut. Knowledge gives you wings to fly.
This phrase is also a rallying cry for those who realize that ignorance is a tool of control. Authoritarian movements have always known that an uninformed public is an obedient one -- which is precisely why the free press and public education are among the first targets of tyranny.
For the wearer, this bracelet symbolizes learning as both a lifelong pursuit and an act of resistance. They read widely, ask questions, and seek verifiable truth in our era of propaganda and misinformation. They know that the more they learn, the more they can share that knowledge with others and empower their community.
ILLEGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM - "don't let the bastards get you down".
A mock-Latin aphorism, this phrase dates back to WWII allied intelligence where its wry humor emphasized a stubborn refusal to be demoralized by the opposition. Variations appear in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale as a secret message of solidarity between women living under an oppressive regime.
More recently the phrase surfaced in renown physician-scientist and immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci's memoir. When he was a student at a Jesuit-run high school, the priests would sometimes repeat the Latin when the situation called for it. Dr. Fauci internalized the message and then used it to help himself emotionally endure periods of intense public criticism during his long career.
At its heart, the phrase isn't about being unbothered or ignoring harm. It's about deciding to keep doing the work in front of you anyway. For the wearer, this bracelet is a little reminder tucked against your skin that other people and other obstacles can try to wear you down... but you alone decide whether it works. And so far, you're undefeated.
The engraving is on the interior of this bracelet, making the message privately yours. Wear it to an uncomfortable work meeting or during your dissertation defense or even to school (on either side of the classroom). On the outside it's just a normal, nice, professional-looking bracelet. Only you will know why you smile when you touch it during conversations with management.
CONTRA MALUM NON TACEBO - "against evil, I will not be silent".
This phrase reflects the moral clarity of the many brave people throughout history who knew that staying silent in the face of atrocity was its own kind of complicity. It honors the many thinkers, leaders, journalists, theologians, and ordinary citizens who chose to speak out even when speaking came with a cost.
For the wearer, it represents a personal ethic of fighting against injustice, corruption, and harm rather than being a passive bystander. It says that even when you don't know in advance exactly what to do, when the moment comes you've already decided which side of silence you will be on. This bracelet is engraved on the exterior.
Crafted impeccably from durable silver colored or gold colored steel, this bracelet will stay shiny and beautiful for years and years. They work well as a single professional bangle or layered as a set.
Perfect for:
