Fons et origo explained

Fons et origo is a Latin term meaning "source and origin".^[1] Typical usage of the term describes Athens as the fons et origo of democracy, or Italy as the fons et origo of classical music. Lancelot Ware (1915 - 2000), the founder of Mensa, was awarded the honorary title Fons et Origo by the society in 1987.^[2]

References

• Collected Works. "I seem to be the fons et origo of all the evil imputed to the [Indian] Congress." (1943)
• Quoted in Gandhi and Churchill by Arthur Herman, (2008) Bantam Dell, NY, NY

Notes and References

1. [OED]
2. https://web.archive.org/web/20100916215030/http://www.mensa.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?ap=1&id=281 Lancelot Ware obituary