"Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down" Bracelet
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 a council work session... wherever you might want to give yourself a nudge to keep on keeping on. The outside looks like just a normal, nice, professional-looking bracelet. Only you will know why you smile when you touch it during conversations with management or Bob from accounting. Crafted impeccably from durable silver colored or gold colored steel, this bracelet will stay shiny and beautiful for years and years. It works well as a single professional bangle or layered with other bracelets (see our full matching set of Latin bracelets). Perfect for: Students, teachers, professors, mentors, leaders Science professionals & science communicators Advocates, activists, antifascists, antiauthoritarians Women in positions of authority who get stuff done Anyone who cares about science, human rights, social justice, democracy, or any other topic that seems to attract criticism
ILLEGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM - gold, ILLEGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM - silver