While a single, perfect Latin equivalent for the modern, holistic concept of “wellness” doesn’t exist, several words and phrases capture aspects of it. “Salus,” meaning health, safety, and well-being, is perhaps the closest single-word translation. Other relevant terms include “valetudo” (health, state of health), “prosperitas” (prosperity, success), and “bona mens sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a sound body). The choice depends on the specific nuance desired.
Understanding the Roman perspective on well-being provides valuable context. For them, health encompassed physical, mental, and even societal dimensions. Maintaining equilibrium within oneself and with the community contributed significantly to their understanding of a flourishing life. This holistic approach resonates with contemporary views on wellness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various life aspects.
