This phrase is a philosophical principle that originates from ancient Greek philosophy, specifically from Parmenides. It expresses the idea that something cannot be created from nothing, or that existence is eternal and unchanging.
It's important to note that:
* "Prima non datur" is not a direct Latin translation of the English phrase. It's a more complex concept that is often expressed in different ways.
* The English version is a simplification of the original idea. The concept of "nothing" in Parmenides' philosophy is more nuanced than simply the absence of something.
Overall, "nothing comes from nothing" is a common way to summarize the core idea of "prima non datur" in English.