At Meta’s annual Connect event in Menlo Park, California, CEO Mark Zuckerberg made headlines not just for the technology he showcased, but also for his choice of attire—a custom T-shirt emblazoned with the Latin phrase “aut Zuck aut nihil,” translating to “all Zuck or all nothing.” This slogan underscored his bold ambitions for the company as it launched what he described as the best augmented-reality glasses in the world.
The phrase “aut Zuck aut nihil” is a clever twist on the historical saying “aut Caesar aut nihil,” meaning “either a Caesar or nothing.” This expression conveys a sense of grand ambition and was famously associated with Italian Renaissance figure Cesare Borgia, and possibly coined by Julius Caesar himself. Zuckerberg’s adoption of the phrase reflects not only his aspirations for Meta but also his long-standing fascination with ancient Rome.
Zuckerberg’s interest in Roman history is well-documented. He honeymooned in Rome and named two of his children, August and Aurelia, after notable Roman emperors, Augustus and Marcus Aurelius, respectively. Earlier this year, he marked his 40th birthday by sharing photos in another T-shirt featuring the phrase “Carthago delenda est,” which means “Carthage must be destroyed,” a reference to Rome’s historical rivalry.
During the event, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled Meta’s latest prototype: the Orion AR glasses. Although not yet available for public use, these glasses are currently in the testing phase and represent Zuckerberg’s vision of blending virtual and real-world experiences. He described the glasses as “a time machine,” emphasizing their potential to offer users a glimpse into a future where augmented reality plays a central role in daily life.
Mark Zuckerberg’s latest fashion statement and the introduction of the Orion AR glasses signify Meta Platforms’ commitment to overcoming previous challenges in the tech industry. With a renewed focus on innovative products, the company aims to capture the imagination of consumers and reshape how we interact with technology. As Zuckerberg put it, “They exist, they are awesome, and they are a glimpse of a future that I think is going to be pretty exciting.”
As Meta continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these advancements will resonate with users and shape the future of augmented reality.
