The Italian phrase “Avanti, avanti, sempre avanti”—translated as “Forward, forward, always forward”—is a rhythmic, resolute declaration that carries the weight of history, culture, and human spirit. It’s a mantra that echoes through Italy’s past and present, a call to action rooted in resilience and optimism. To an outsider, it might sound like a simple motivational phrase, but to those who’ve walked Italy’s winding streets or felt its pulse, it’s so much more—a philosophy, a battle cry, and a way of life rolled into one. Let’s unpack its meaning, its origins, and why it resonates so deeply, even beyond Italy’s borders.
The Words Themselves
At its core, “avanti” is Italian for “forward.” It’s a straightforward word, one you might hear shouted on a bustling train platform or whispered in a moment of encouragement. Repeat it—“avanti, avanti”—and it gains momentum, like footsteps picking up speed. Add “sempre avanti”—“always forward”—and it transforms into a pledge, an unwavering commitment to progress no matter the obstacles. The repetition isn’t just stylistic; it’s emphatic, a verbal drumbeat urging persistence.
In Italian, words often carry an emotional weight that transcends their dictionary definitions. “Avanti” isn’t just about physical movement—it’s about advancing in spirit, in thought, in purpose. It’s a word that refuses to linger, that rejects stagnation. When you say “avanti, avanti, sempre avanti,” you’re not just moving; you’re charging toward something better, with no looking back.
A Historical Echo
To understand the phrase’s depth, we need to glance at Italy’s history—a tapestry of triumphs and trials that shaped its people’s tenacity. Italy wasn’t always a unified nation; it was a patchwork of city-states, kingdoms, and foreign dominions until the Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement for unification, stitched it together. During this era, “avanti” became a rallying cry for patriots like Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who pushed the country toward a collective identity against all odds.
Imagine Garibaldi’s red-shirted volunteers marching through rugged terrain, outnumbered and outgunned, yet shouting “avanti!” as they pressed toward liberation. The phrase wasn’t just a command—it was a belief that progress was possible, even inevitable, if they kept moving. That spirit didn’t fade with unification in 1871; it lingered through wars, economic hardship, and political upheaval. “Sempre avanti” became Italy’s heartbeat, a refusal to let history’s weight pull it backward.
A Cultural Mindset
Beyond the battlefield, “avanti, avanti, sempre avanti” reflects a distinctly Italian approach to life. Italy is a land of contrasts—ancient ruins beside modern highways, slow-paced trattorias in the shadow of fast-paced Milan. Yet through it all, there’s a forward momentum. Italians are masters of reinvention, taking the old and making it new again. Think of the Renaissance, when artists like Michelangelo looked to antiquity for inspiration yet created works that propelled humanity into a new era. Or consider Italy’s post-World War II economic miracle, when a shattered nation rebuilt itself into a global powerhouse of fashion, design, and cuisine.
This mindset isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about carrying it forward. “Avanti” is in the way Italians embrace life’s chaos—traffic jams, bureaucratic tangles, or a sudden rainstorm—with a shrug and a determination to find a way through. It’s less about blind optimism and more about practical resolve: things may be messy, but we’ll keep going.
A Personal Resonance
On a personal level, “avanti, avanti, sempre avanti” feels like a lifeline. I first hear the phrase years ago at an awards banquet, and it stuck with me. Life, after all, is rarely a straight path. There are detours, dead ends, moments when giving up seems easier than pushing on. But there’s something about those words—their insistence, their rhythm—that pulls you back to your feet.
I think of the times I’ve faced my own setbacks: a project that fell apart, a dream that slipped out of reach. In those moments, “avanti” isn’t just a word—it’s a choice. It’s the decision to dust off, to take one more step, to believe that the next hill might reveal a better view. And “sempre avanti” adds a layer of endurance—because it’s not enough to move forward once; you have to keep doing it, day after day.
A Universal Call
While the phrase is undeniably Italian, its appeal stretches far beyond. Who hasn’t felt stuck, weighed down by doubt or circumstance? “Avanti, avanti, sempre avanti” speaks to anyone who’s ever needed a nudge—or a shove—to keep going. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always linear or loud; sometimes it’s quiet, stubborn, a refusal to stand still.
In today’s world, where we’re bombarded with noise and distraction, the simplicity of “avanti” cuts through. It’s not about overcomplicating things with plans or platitudes—it’s about action. Move forward. Then do it again. Always. It’s a philosophy that fits as easily into a boardroom as it does a kitchen, a battlefield as much as a classroom.
Living the Phrase
So how do we embody “avanti, avanti, sempre avanti”? It starts with small choices. Say yes to the challenge you’ve been dodging. Take the first step on a goal you’ve shelved. Let go of the grudge that’s holding you back. It’s not about perfection—it’s about motion. Italy teaches us that forward doesn’t mean flawless; it means alive.
When I think of the people who best live this philosophy, they didn’t wait for permission or perfect conditions—they moved. “Sempre avanti” isn’t a promise of smooth sailing; it’s a commitment to sail anyway.
A Final Thought
It’s a call that’s been answered by generations, from Roman legions to modern dreamers, and it’s still ringing out today. It’s an invitation to join the march, to add your own steps to the endless forward rhythm.
Italy gave us this phrase, but it belongs to anyone willing to claim it. So wherever you are, whatever you’re facing, let it guide you. Forward, forward, always forward.