Ex malis minimum eligere oportet.

Latin Learning Latin
1

I’m pretty sure I understood the following a few months ago…but for some reason it’s Greek to me now.

Ex malis minimum eligere oportet.

I can’t figure out a literal translation for the above in LLPSI XXXX

It is fitting when there is no choice…? or is it a witticism… there is little to choose between evils…

I can’t work out what ‘minimum’ refers to …‘malis’ is ablative neuter plural ‘eligere’ is infinitive

???

2

Ex malis minimum eligere oportet.

Ex malis,
minimum (malum)
eligere oportet.

(When you are choosing) among evils, = Ex malis,
you should choose = eligere oportet
the least evil = minimum (malum)

We would say: Choose the lesser of two evils. :slight_smile:

3

Laura, gratias tibi ago.

Paul