Nil Disperandum Box of Labels

Box of Blank Gum Arabic Labels Labelled “Nil Desperandum”

I found this object at an estate sale, as you see it. The Latin phrase "nil desperandum" means "do not despair." Someone labelled the tiny box of labels with the words, as if that's what it held; the opportunity to write "do not despair" anywhere. It was such a hopeful message, and though I don't speak the language, saying "nil desperandum" seemed to speak to my heart more than my head. A language historically used for crests, and official things, things that carry a lot of granted authority, it was totally unexpected on something so tiny and seemingly insignificant. There it is though; that little label gives it's message with some kind of authority.

This is one of the items that travels in my doctor's bag with me, when I am giving object lessons/ conversations.