To make a virtue of necessity. When circumstances force a course of action, one should embrace it wholeheartedly rather than resent it. Reframing an unavoidable constraint as a positive choice transforms suffering into dignity.
The phrase originates in Latin — 'de necessitate virtutem facere' — and appears in classical authors including Quintilian and St. Jerome. Dante uses a closely related form in the Convivio, grounding it firmly in Italian literary tradition. The saying reflects a Stoic approach to misfortune: since we cannot always choose our circumstances, we can choose our response to them, and the wise person turns constraint into an opportunity for excellence. In Italian popular culture the proverb was applied widely to the realities of poverty and hardship. The cucina povera tradition — the art of making extraordinary food from cheap ingredients — is essentially a culinary expression of this proverb. The panzanella, the ribollita, the pasta e fagioli were all originally dishes of necessity turned into virtues of taste. Similarly, Italian artisans working with limited materials developed skills of economy and ingenuity that became signatures of Italian style. Today the phrase is used in business (pivoting when a plan fails), in cooking (improvising with what is in the fridge), and in personal life (embracing a forced change of direction).
From the Latin 'de necessitate virtutem facere'; appears in Dante's Convivio and in Italian literary and popular tradition from the Middle Ages onward.
A chef explaining a dish made from what was left in the kitchen
Non avevo gli ingredienti giusti, ho usato quello che c'era. È venuto fuori meglio dell'originale. Fare di necessità virtù — in cucina funziona sempre.
I did not have the right ingredients, I used what was there. It turned out better than the original. Make a virtue of necessity — in cooking it always works.
An entrepreneur who had to pivot his business model due to the pandemic
Il lockdown ci ha chiuso il ristorante. Abbiamo iniziato a fare consegne e corsi online. Fare di necessità virtù — adesso quello è il settanta percento del fatturato.
The lockdown closed our restaurant. We started doing deliveries and online courses. Make a virtue of necessity — now that is seventy percent of the revenue.
A student forced to study at home instead of university
Non potevo permettermi l'università in città. Ho studiato da casa e ho lavorato allo stesso tempo. Fare di necessità virtù — ora ho sia la laurea che tre anni di esperienza.
I could not afford university in the city. I studied from home and worked at the same time. Make a virtue of necessity — now I have both the degree and three years of experience.
A grandmother reflecting on raising children during hard times
Avevamo poco. Ma fare di necessità virtù — ho imparato a cucinare con niente e i miei figli non sono mai andati a letto con la fame.
We had little. But make a virtue of necessity — I learned to cook with nothing and my children never went to bed hungry.