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.
No tenía los ingredientes adecuados, usé lo que había. Quedó mejor que el original. A la fuerza ahorcan — en la cocina siempre funciona.
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.
El confinamiento nos cerró el restaurante. Empezamos a hacer entregas y cursos online. A la fuerza ahorcan — ahora eso es el setenta por ciento de la facturación.
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.
No podía permitirme la universidad en la ciudad. Estudié desde casa y trabajé al mismo tiempo. A la fuerza ahorcan — ahora tengo tanto el título como tres años de experiencia.
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.
Teníamos poco. Pero a la fuerza ahorcan — aprendí a cocinar con nada y mis hijos nunca se fueron a la cama con hambre.