"Ever to Excel" is theEnglish translation of theAncient Greek phrase 'αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν'aièn aristeúein. It has been used asmotto by a number of educational institutions.
The phrase is derived from the sixth book ofHomer'sIliad, in which it is used in a speechGlaucus delivers toDiomedes. During a battle between theGreeks andTrojans, Diomedes is impressed by the bravery of a mysterious young man and demands to know his identity. Glaucus replies: "Hippolochus begat me. I claim to be his son, and he sent me toTroy with strict instructions:Ever to excel, to do better than others, and to bring glory to your forebears, who indeed were very great ... This is my ancestry; this is the blood I am proud to inherit."
It is the motto of theHellenic National Defence General Staff. The phrase has also been used as the motto of a number ofschools anduniversities, mainly in theUnited Kingdom, notably theUniversity of St Andrews,[1] but also in theUnited States andCanada. These include schools such asCaistor Grammar School, theEdinburgh Academy,[2]Kelvinside Academy[3] andOld Scona Academic High School,[4] as well asBoston College.[5]