Crescit eundo

The origin (and subsquently, the meaning of) "Crescit Eundo" (the motto of the great state of New Mexico) is widely debated. One might suggest that the primary reason for debate is due to the lack of readers. The phrase is found in a 1st Century text called "De Rerum Natura," ("On The Nature Of Things") written by Lucretius, an Epicurean philosopher. 

Epicureans maintained some strange ideas but many were actually right, such as the design of nature (personally, Stoicism is the better choice). Lucretius held that all matter was composed of particles invisible to the naked eye. With this in mind, Lucretius wrote about lightening, and this caused a stir, for popular opinion was that lightning was a demonstration of anger from the gods. Lucretius, on the other hand, proposed that those particles were acting and reacting to one another, that nature was doing what it was designed to do and no gods were tossing bolts in anger. He also explained the nature of the lightning bolt was "crescit eundo"--that it grows in strength as it moves. 

Science has come a long way and we understand lightning more clearly nowadays, but Lucretius made an impact on the world with his writing. So much so, that when a motto was being sought out for New Mexico, it was suggested that the "Crescit eundo" described the forward motion and strength of it's people. The motto describes people who make things happen.

This motto was well chosen, for New Mexicans don't just sit back and let things happen. They do it. They depend on each other, help each other out. The land is different and requires a different kind of living that you can only experience by being there. Once it gets into you, it does not leave easily. Blessed is the one who never loses the wonder of that land!

The point is this: the motto did not just happen nor is the meaning lost. It just takes the willingness and the time to read.