According to Greek mythology, Hercules constructed two pillars near the Straits of Gibraltar to mark the edge of the then-known flat world. These pillars bore the three Latin words “Ne Plus Ultra” or “no more beyond.” Spain later adopted the phrase as their motto since they genuinely believed their explorers had reached the outer limits of the earth. Then, Christopher Columbus made his voyages and changed the world forever. The Spanish changed the country’s motto to “Plus Ultra” or “there is plenty beyond,” which is still its official motto. I love this story because it reminds me of the tremendous opportunities that accompany new challenges. Yet, too many of us limit new opportunities by comfortably hiding behind religious dogmas, inferiority complexes, ‘good old days,’ and culture. We all need to be reminded from time to time that there is always more than what we can see or even imagine. Whilst we should embrace a “Plus Ultra” attitude, most of our leaders excel in mediocracy, outdated concepts, and scaring people silly.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Alex David Rosaria Blog 